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

Wed Jan 28 19:47:02 UTC 2026

There was the assessment for the back fence.I don't recall?

Lauren Rich
Atlanta, GA

On Wed, Jan 28, 2026, 9:08 AM Lauren Rich <laureninatlanta at gmail.com> wrote:

> Yes, good idea, Joanna, I just need to ask my (new) neighbors if it's ok,
> they are their trees. Also, re which tree company we pick.  We've used
> Boutte in the past and I understand Maryann's point; I just would prefer to
> continue with them -- perhaps we could ask them for quote for additional
> work Maryann suggests.  As an aside, Molly and I haven't had a chance to
> switch over to me as treasurer so I don't yet have the books and don't know
> what's in our account, hopefully I will get that info (and whatever books I
> need from Molly)  by some time this weekend, so we'll know how much $ we
> have and how much we can use for this work.  I know we've had some major
> tree work done in Molly's tenure and I'll ask her how much Association has
> paid.  Re who pays for what . . . I do know that for many years in my
> tenure here in Chelsea Place the association has paid for all relatively
> minor tree trimming (including trimming in the back of our houses, Joanna
> and Maryann), and that it was Jimmy who did the tree trimming.  I am
> wondering whether he still does this periodically.  Do we still have Jimmy
> do this, Sara? From time to time I have paid Jimmy on my own to do some
> trimming, as well, and the cost has been minor.
>
> On Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 8:53 AM Joanna Campbell via Everyone <
> everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com> wrote:
>
>> 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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>
>
> --
> Lauren Rich
> Atlanta, GA
>
>
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