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

Wed Jan 28 21:15:14 UTC 2026

I think Dave and Joanna are right, the $300 assessment was for back fence,
nott for trees

On Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 3:59 PM David Weiner via Everyone <
everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com> wrote:

> I don’t remember the exact amount, but the last assessment that I remember
> was for the back fence and some of the other things that we had to get done
> for the insurance.
>
> Dave
>
> On Jan 28, 2026, at 15:54, Joanna Campbell via Everyone <
> everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com> wrote:
>
> 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
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>>>>>>
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>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Lauren Rich
>>> Atlanta, GA
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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-- 
Lauren Rich
Atlanta, GA
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