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

[Joanna Campbell]

When the final  decision is made and a service contacted would someone let
me know?  There are some trees  in the space between the retaining wall  of
my house and 334,  that need a professional pruning that might could be
done at the same time.

Lauren and Maryann, I don't know if you have any back  there but if so
maybe we can do them all  together.

Joanna

On Wed, Jan 28, 2026, 7:36 AM Maryann Dabkowski via Everyone <
everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com> wrote:

> In response to Kathleen's request, I prefer Gill as their estimate
> includes pruning for the trees in the alley on the side of 344 (which they
> mistakenly labeled 342-- Kathleen confirmed). The estimate from Boutte does
> not include this.
>
> On Tue, Jan 27, 2026 at 7:16 PM Kathleen M. Baggett via Everyone <
> everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com> wrote:
>
>> 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> 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> on behalf of
>> David Weiner via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>
>> *Date: *Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:44 AM
>> *To: *Residents <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>
>> *Cc: *David Weiner <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> 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> 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> 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> 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>
>> *Date: *Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 9:41 AM
>> *To: *Residents <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>
>> *Date: *Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:07 AM
>> *To: *Residents <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>
>> *Date: *Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
>> *To: *Maryann Dabkowski <mdabkowski at gmail.com>, David Weiner <
>> david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com>, Sharon Jordan <jsharona at gmail.com>, Ron
>> Baggett <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>
>> *Date: *Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 6:37 PM
>> *To: *Maryann Dabkowski <mdabkowski at gmail.com>, Jordan Foster <
>> jfoster34 at gsu.edu>, David Weiner <david.l.weiner30030 at gmail.com>, Ron
>> Baggett <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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