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

Wed Jan 28 20:54:22 UTC 2026

I think that was the $300 assessment.   Of course I'm getting old and my
memory isn't what it used to be.

On Wed, Jan 28, 2026, 2:47 PM Lauren Rich <laureninatlanta at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Everyone mailing list
>>>>> Everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com
>>>>> https://chelseaplacedecatur.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/everyone
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Everyone mailing list
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>>>>>
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>>
>> --
>> Lauren Rich
>> Atlanta, GA
>>
>>
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