[Everyone] [External] Re: FW: Boutte Tree assessment, estimate

Kathleen M. Baggett kbaggett at gsu.edu
Tue Jan 27 23:08:53 UTC 2026 

Thanks Rosamond. Everyone, please see my embedded comments in bold below.

Kathleen
________________________________
From: R.C. Rodman <rcr1026 at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 2:57 PM
To: Residents <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>
Cc: Kathleen M. Baggett <kbaggett at gsu.edu>
Subject: Re: [Everyone] [External] Re: FW: Boutte Tree assessment, estimate

Hello,
I appreciate the hard work of getting tree folk out and rounding up cost estimates for upkeep of trees. I do have some questions.

1. The estimate by Boutte does not include tree trimming around the entire property, as I read it but rather a few specific trees. I know there was a walk through, so perhaps this was discussed, but what about the redbud directly opposite 400 and 402?

The  redbud was not identified by anyone for inclusion on the list of resident-identified concerns nor was it  identified in need of trimming  by either arborist (Boutte or Gill) on the walk-throughs.

Were the two cherry trees discussed (one in front of 412, and one in front of 400)? All the crepe myrtles on the property (including those at the creek bed?)

The cherry in front of 410/412 was recommended by both arborists for removal. The nearly dead cherry tree in front of us: both arborists said that because it was so close to the waterway and not yet dead (though nearly) Decatur would not issue a permit for removal until it's dead.

2. I am myself confused about the issue of homeowner and HOA costs when it comes to trees. I think the longstanding custom has been to use HOA monies for any tree removal or major maintenance/pruning. As I read the bylaws this is somewhat of a gray area, given the proximity of trees to some people's properties. When does a homeowner pay and when does the HOA pay? (It seems quite clear in some cases, but less clear in others, which may be why I continue to be confused). For instance, we paid for removal of a tree/planting of a different tree in our front area.

Ron and I were informed before purchasing that the trees along the drive were the responsibility of the HOA.

3. The last I heard, when a tree is removed, another must be planted, using Decatur's approved species list. I've no doubt that Boutte is on their game about this, as they work closely with the city arborist.

Correct. Both arborists recommended leaving the stump and because it's so close to the gas main, planting only small shrubs there. They did not advise on where or if another small tree planting would  be required elsewhere on the property.

The last time that Boutte was out they were confident that the three oaks that line the main driveway were solid and mentioned nothing about fungicide treatments needed after such testing. I do like this company and think it would be good to be consistent with one tree company so that we can refer to past work/contracts and future needs.

I'll let others weigh in on the preference for going with Boutte or Gill. Committee/Residents, please weigh in on your preference if you have one. Ron and I are fine with either Boutte or Gill.

Rosamond

On Tue, Jan 27, 2026 at 12:02 PM Kathleen M. Baggett via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>> wrote:
Thanks, Dave. Yes, that’s correct. Ron is following up on this. More to come.

Kathleen


Kathleen Baggett, Ph.D.

Associate Professor | 2CI Scholar in Dev Disability Health Disparities

Director, Mark Chaffin Centers for Healthy Development

Director,  GA Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities

School of Public Health | Georgia State University

Phone: 404.413.1571





From: Everyone <everyone-bounces at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone-bounces at chelseaplacedecatur.com>> on behalf of David Weiner via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>>
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:44 AM
To: Residents <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>>
Cc: David Weiner <david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com<mailto:david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com>>
Subject: [External] Re: [Everyone] FW: Boutte Tree assessment, estimate

I'm sure that if Boutte or Gil are handling the permits that they are aware of that, and their on-staff arborist will write the required letter.

Dave

On Tue, Jan 27, 2026, 09:57 Sara Crews via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>> wrote:
Before the City of Decatur will issue a permit to have a tree taken down, they require a written accessment from a certified arborist.

Sara
On 01/26/2026 9:43 AM EST Lauren Rich via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>> wrote:


We have used boutte before and i believe they know how to get necessary permits to do this . . .

Lauren Rich
Atlanta, GA


On Mon, Jan 26, 2026, 9:25 AM Sara Crews via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>> wrote:
Kathleen, do you know if Boutte Tree Service has an arborist on staff?  If so, the arborist could obtain a permit from the City of Decatur to take down the declining cherry tree at the rear of your home.

Sara
On 01/25/2026 6:19 PM EST Kathleen M. Baggett via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>> wrote:


Hi Everyone,

I wondered why I hadn’t heard back on this. Please see below. Giant limbs are continuing to fall from the concerning trees over our roof.


Kathleen Baggett, Ph.D.
Associate Professor | 2CI Scholar in Dev Disability Health Disparities
Director, Mark Chaffin Centers for Healthy Development
Director,  Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Ga_LEND)
School of Public Health | Georgia State University
Phone: 404.413.1571


From: Kathleen M. Baggett <kbaggett at gsu.edu<mailto:kbaggett at gsu.edu>>
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 9:41 AM
To: Residents <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>>
Subject: Tree Care Estimates- high priority
Hi there,

Following up on this. Thanks to Maryann, David, Ron, and Jordan. Below are quotes, which are about to expire. Vincent, Sara, please let us know how we can move this forward. I’m happy to schedule with Gill Tree Care if approved.

Thanks,

Kathleen


Kathleen Baggett, Ph.D.

Associate Professor | 2CI Scholar in Dev Disability Health Disparities

Director, Mark Chaffin Centers for Healthy Development

Director,  GA Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities

School of Public Health | Georgia State University

Phone: 404.413.1571




From: Kathleen M. Baggett <kbaggett at gsu.edu<mailto:kbaggett at gsu.edu>>
Date: Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:07 AM
To: Residents <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>>
Subject: FW: Boutte Tree assessment, estimate
Happy New Year!

Here are 3 quotes based on property tree assessment. The first 2 are highly reputable; R & I would prefer either of the first 2. Let me know how you’d like to proceed. We’d like to get this work done as soon as possible.

Gill Tree Care (Brendan Gill, trained arborist, removed the giant tree stump last year)
Total: $36400
Itemized- see attached

Boutte Tree Inc.- Trained Arborist
Total with $250 discount = $3700
Itemized- see attached

Best Price Tree Services: 678 641 7627
This is the company who completed the last Chelsea Place property trimming. A new property assessment and verbal quote were provided in mid-December, which was higher than the the 2 quotes above. Although requested multiple times, a written quote was not provided. Moreover, I have other concerns that in my view make this the least favorable option of the 3. Happy to discuss if you wish.

King Tree Services:  Did not pursue a new quote based on Sarah’s and Maryann’s documentation from last year that the cost was double or more than the other quotes at the time.

K

Kathleen Baggett, Ph.D.
Associate Professor | 2CI Scholar in Dev Disability Health Disparities
Director, Mark Chaffin Centers for Healthy Development
Director,  Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Ga_LEND)
School of Public Health | Georgia State University
Phone: 404.413.1571


From: Kathleen M. Baggett <kbaggett at gsu.edu<mailto:kbaggett at gsu.edu>>
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
To: Maryann Dabkowski <mdabkowski at gmail.com<mailto:mdabkowski at gmail.com>>, David Weiner <david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com<mailto:david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com>>, Sharon Jordan <jsharona at gmail.com<mailto:jsharona at gmail.com>>, Ron Baggett <rgbaggett at me.com<mailto:rgbaggett at me.com>>
Subject: FW: Boutte Tree assessment, estimate
Thanks again for sending the information below, Maryann. I see that the quote from Best Price Service is comparable to the prices from Boutte. In recognition of the committee’s work last time to obtain quotes, Ron, can you please follow up with the 2 companies below (Best Price Tree Service and King Tree Service)? This would get us to the 3 requested quotes. Given the spike damage that a company in the recent past caused to one of the large oaks near us, you might casually comment on this damage and note how these companies respond.

Kathleen

Hey good morning all!

Here are the two services we used fo estimates last time:

Best Price Tree Service<https://bestpricetreeservice.us/>: 678 641 7627. Owner is named Dana. You can call or text him directly. He ended up charging us $2100. Here's the breakdown he provided to Sarah at the time:
#412 - $700.00
#406 - $300.00
#340 - $300.00
#344 - $800.00

Total-$2,100.00

King Tree Services- I don't know that I would recommend trying them again unless we just need another bid to round out options for Vincent. They estimated $5000, which Sarah deemed absurd.

Dave-- if you find time on your hands, perhaps you can use your excellent Internet skills to find another reputable service or two for us to call?

Kathleen/Ron-- given that you have specific trees of concern, I'm wondering if it's best for one of you to coordinate with the vendors so that one of you can be available when someone comes to do an estimate so you can point out your concerns? I work from home and can probably join in on a walk around the property depending on whether or not I have a meeting at the same time, but I think it's important you're available, given my experience with working with the vendors a couple of years ago.



K

Hey good morning all!

Here are the two services we used for estimates last time:

Best Price Tree Service<https://bestpricetreeservice.us/>: 678 641 7627. Owner is named Dana. You can call or text him directly. He ended up charging us $2100. Here's the breakdown he provided to Sarah at the time:
#412 - $700.00
#406 - $300.00
#340 - $300.00
#344 - $800.00

Total-$2,100.00

King Tree Services- I don't know that I would recommend trying them again unless we just need another bid to round out options for Vincent. They estimated $5000, which Sarah deemed absurd.

Dave-- if you find time on your hands, perhaps you can use your excellent Internet skills to find another reputable service or two for us to call?

Kathleen/Ron-- given that you have specific trees of concern, I'm wondering if it's best for one of you to coordinate with the vendors so that one of you can be available when someone comes to do an estimate so you can point out your concerns? I work from home and can probably join in on a walk around the property depending on whether or not I have a meeting at the same time, but I think it's important you're available, given my experience with working with the vendors a couple of years ago.




From: Kathleen M. Baggett <kbaggett at gsu.edu<mailto:kbaggett at gsu.edu>>
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 6:37 PM
To: Maryann Dabkowski <mdabkowski at gmail.com<mailto:mdabkowski at gmail.com>>, Jordan Foster <jfoster34 at gsu.edu<mailto:jfoster34 at gsu.edu>>, David Weiner <david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com<mailto:david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com>>, Ron Baggett <rgbaggett at me.com<mailto:rgbaggett at me.com>>
Subject: Boutte Tree assessment, estimate
Hi there,

Boutte Tree came out on Friday and provided the attached estimate based on his assessment- walking around Chelsea place. Maryanne, there was a tree limb by your house not on our radar that he had concerns about. Ron met with him and can fill you in tomorrow if you have time. The 2 K-ish estimate is for the 3 giant oaks by us. What do you all think is the next step? Do we need to have 2 of the companies who provided previous estimates (Maryanne, whoever you recall was best/ most competitive)?come  out?

Kathleen
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