Young Tree Service utilizes helicopter for environmentally conscious project
Tree removal via helicopter requires precision and constant communication.
In a unique project that oversaw the intersection of technology and stewardship, a team undertook a significant tree removal operation at a mountain property right at the outskirts of city limits near Hwy 28.
The project involved a collaborative effort with Young’s Tree Service to address the challenges posed by large, heavy trees that were obstructing waterways and access paths, prioritizing minimal environmental impact.
“The last thing the owner wanted to do was take equipment and go through the creek and tear out other stuff to get them out,” said Highlands Commissioner Jeff Weller, who assisted with the development of the project.
Weller said the entire operation was done with an environmentally focused approach, and proved to be beneficial by avoiding damaging the surrounding nature of the trees that were removed.
“We got the helicopter in and we strapped all these things and we lifted the trees. There was a clear area on the property and they lifted the dead trees over to it and piled it and cleaned it up later with trucks,” he said.
Young Tree Service co-owner Josh Young said the property in question is characterized by its pristine and natural beauty, with trees that were not only large, but also centuries old. The team faced the daunting task of removing approximately 70 trees, some weighing between 15,000 to 20,000 pounds.
Young added that alternative methods not only would have significant impact on the environment and ecology of the area, but also would have required extensive ground preparation and months of work.
“Sometimes tree service can be a little bit invasive. So, most of the time we had heavy equipment and we had to make little bitty roads and paths to kind of skid and pull. You know, some of these trees are three and four feet in diameter,” said Young.
Recognizing the limitations of conventional techniques, the team proposed using a helicopter for the removal process. This method allowed them to remove trees without disturbing the ground, thereby preserving the undergrowth and preventing erosion.
With the operation done via helicopter, the project only required a few days a prepping, with the tree removal itself only requiring a few hours.
The operation required meticulous planning, which included coordinating with the FAA and preparing for specialized equipment. The team utilized 75 straps to securely transport the trees to designated drop zones.
“They strapped all these things and we lift. There was a cleared area on the property and they lifted over to that area and they basically just piled it all up to come in and clean up later where they can get trucks to it,” Weller said.
With the collaborative effort of the team behind the project, they were able to preserve the delicate ecosystem in the area, including waterways and ancient shrub species like rhododendrons.
While the project focused primarily on tree removal, Young said the salvageable wood is intended for repurposing, with non-salvageable being converted into wood chips to be used on trails, further contributing to environmental efforts.
The tree removal project exemplifies how innovative solutions can address environmental challenges while also meeting operational needs and a time-efficient manner. As the team reflected on their experience, they expressed a desire to continue exploring such methods in future projects.
“It was an honor that our homeowner cares that much about the environment. I feel like we’ve made a very small impact,” said Young.