Neighbors have some company here doing the work on theirs with cranes and stuff. Asked them about a quote for a pine tree that has a hanger and we hate it anyway. Started at $1,800, came down to $1,300 and finally offered $800 after realizing they would need to trim it anyway to get equipment to the neighbors back yard.
15 minutes later it is down and I am not sure if I made a good choice or a dumb one.
Given a choice between amatuer hour operating a chainsaw and hiring someone at an okay price is no choice. A mistake with a chainsaw can change your life and not in a good way. Lots of guys (most!) that own chainsaws and know how to "operate" them DO NOT know how to operate them safely.