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Client: International School of Denver
Location: Denver, Colorado
Service: Large tree removal, stump grinding, debris hauling
Completed by: Tree Service Denver LLC — ISA-Certified Arborists
Project Overview
The International School of Denver contacted Tree Service Denver LLC after identifying several mature trees on their campus grounds that had become safety hazards. Located in a densely populated Denver neighborhood, the project required careful coordination to ensure zero disruption to the school’s operations and surrounding residential properties.
The project involved the complete removal of three large trees — including a mature Cottonwood with a trunk diameter exceeding 36 inches — plus full stump grinding and same-day debris removal. Because the school remained in session during the work, crew access, noise management, and safety protocols were critical planning factors from day one.
The Challenges
1. Active School Environment
The trees were located adjacent to student drop-off zones and outdoor recreation areas. Work had to be sequenced around the school schedule — beginning before students arrived in the morning and pausing during outdoor activity periods. Our team coordinated directly with school administration to establish safe work windows and clear communication channels throughout the project.
2. Tight Clearances and Utility Proximity
One of the trees was growing within close proximity to overhead utility lines and an adjacent fence line. This required a crane-assisted sectional removal rather than a standard fell, with each section carefully rigged and lowered to the ground to avoid property damage. Our ISA-certified lead arborist designed the removal plan, selected the appropriate rigging points, and supervised every cut.
3. Large-Diameter Stump Grinding
The large Cottonwood left a stump that required a commercial-grade grinder to remove to a depth suitable for replanting. Our team ground the stump down 12 inches below grade and backfilled with clean fill, leaving the area ready for the school’s planned landscaping refresh.
How We Executed It
- Pre-job site walk: ISA-certified arborist walked the property with school facilities manager to identify hazards, establish drop zones, and plan equipment access routes
- Utility coordination: Called 811 and confirmed overhead line clearances with Xcel Energy before work began
- Sectional removal with rigging: Each large limb and trunk section was rigged and lowered in a controlled manner to protect the school’s fence, playground equipment, and surrounding turf
- Crane-assist for the Cottonwood: Used a 40-ton crane to remove the main stem of the large Cottonwood safely over the fence line
- Same-day cleanup: All debris was chipped and hauled off-site by end of day. Zero material left overnight on school property
- Stump grinding: Commercial stump grinder removed all three stumps to below-grade depth with backfill included
Results
The International School of Denver now has three previously hazardous trees fully removed, stumps ground and backfilled, and the impacted areas cleared and ready for replanting. The project was completed on schedule across two days with zero incidents, zero property damage, and zero disruption to student activities.
The school’s facilities manager noted that our team’s communication, professionalism, and site cleanliness exceeded expectations for a project of this scope. This project is representative of the type of complex commercial work Tree Service Denver LLC handles regularly across the Denver metro area.
Need a Commercial Tree Service Estimate?
Tree Service Denver LLC works with schools, HOAs, property management companies, municipalities, and commercial property owners throughout the Denver metro. Every job — regardless of size — is led by an ISA-certified arborist with full liability insurance and Colorado contractor licensing.
Call us at (720) 807-2785 for a free commercial tree service consultation. We typically respond within 24 hours for standard projects and within 2 hours for emergency tree situations.
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