Key takeaways
- Narrow access does not rule out removal; it changes the method.
- A crane or the 75-foot boom truck can reach over a house from the street in many cases; the assessment decides.
- Climbers and rigging serve yards with no equipment access.
- Protecting the lawn, patio and irrigation is part of the plan, so ask about it.
- Call 811 before stump grinding or digging.
The tree you want out is behind the house, with a narrow side gate, a fence and a patio. That is a common situation, and the answer is not always 'no.' Here is how crews plan it.
What does an arborist check first in a tight yard?
The first things an arborist looks at are the gate width, the fence, the grade and whether a truck can reach any side of the house. Equipment that can stand on the street or in the driveway can sometimes reach the back yard from the front. Battle Born lists the set-up location as the first step in a crane job, and says elevation, overhead obstacles and proximity to structures all play a part.
Method options
| Access situation | Likely method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Street or driveway within reach, house between truck and tree | Crane or 75-foot boom truck | Reach over the house from the front |
| No equipment access, tree is climbable | Climbing and rigging | The crew works from the tree |
| Small equipment can pass through a gate | Track loader or skid steer for hauling | Smaller machines move material out |
| Tree among wires | Utility conversation first | See NV Energy; separate plan |
For the details of each method, see crane vs climbing vs bucket truck.
Equipment that fits small spaces
Battle Born owns a 2014 Bobcat T870 track loader, a skid steer and a backhoe, and a chipper. Tracked machines spread weight and can fit through narrower openings than a truck. They help haul material out and clean up after. Whether a machine fits depends on the actual gate and path, so measure and tell us.
Protecting the lawn and yard
Anything heavy on turf can leave tracks. Ask about ground protection, where pieces will be set down and how the crew will move material out. Irrigation lines and sprinkler heads near the surface are easy to damage, so show the crew where they are. Hidden lines deeper down are why 811 exists. The International Society of Arboriculture notes that accidental digging into underground utilities can cause costly repairs, injury or loss of life, so call 811 before any stump grinding or digging.
What if overhead lines run through the back yard?
Many back yards have overhead lines running along the back property line. If your tree is in or near a line, stay away and call NV Energy. NV Energy handles its own primary lines. The ISA explains that the higher lines on a pole carry more voltage and need more clearance. If a neighbor's fence or tree is involved, tell the crew early so the plan accounts for it.
Before the estimate
- Take photos of the tree, the gate and the path to the street
- Measure the narrowest gate or opening
- Note fences, patios, pools, sheds and sprinklers under or near the tree
- Tell us about HOA rules or permit needs for your area
- Ask what happens to the wood, chips and stump
A certified arborist assesses every job first. Battle Born Tree Service has two ISA Certified Arborists on staff, including ISA Certified Arborist WE-11728A. See large tree removal and ask for a free estimate. Our wood and chips guide covers cleanup.
Sources
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts (read October 17, 2026)
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Why Hire an Arborist (read October 17, 2026)
- University of Nevada, Reno Extension: Planting Trees in Northern Nevada Landscapes (read October 17, 2026)