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

Fri Jan 30 02:07:44 UTC 2026

Hi Melanie,

Yes, see my message to Rosamond about that tree. Ron also says: “The Cherry tree in front of 410-12 is already in the bids to be removed and stump ground level to surface.  Root removal not possible because of gas lines.   They suggested not planting anything with extensive root system again.  Gil said the city may require a new tree be planted elsewhere on property. ”

Kathleen
________________________________
From: Everyone <everyone-bounces at chelseaplacedecatur.com> on behalf of melanie davenport via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 4:08 PM
To: Residents <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>
Cc: melanie davenport <meldavenport at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Everyone] [External] Re: FW: Boutte Tree assessment, estimate

Hi all,
Speaking of trees.... Since the cherry tree in front of 410 and 412 is no longer attractive, perhaps it should be cut the rest of the way down? Because the gas meters are there, digging it out seems unwise. Perhaps shrubbery could be installed? I do have a small maple but it might need too deep a hole, impinging on gas lines potentially. Any thoughts?
 Thank you,
Melanie G. Davenport, PhD
Art Teacher
Laurel Ridge Elementary School

On Wed, Jan 28, 2026, 3:54 PM Joanna Campbell via Everyone <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto: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<mailto: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<mailto: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<mailto: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<mailto: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<mailto: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<mailto:rcr1026 at gmail.com>>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 2:57 PM
To: Residents <everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com<mailto:everyone at chelseaplacedecatur.com>>
Cc: Kathleen M. Baggett <kbaggett at gsu.edu<mailto: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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--
Lauren Rich
Atlanta, GA

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