Before we hired Adams Tree Service to work on 228 Mayflower Street, you couldn’t see the home for the trees. Three large pine trees and one great oak rose over 40 feet above the property, with branches completely obscuring the home’s façade and extending out into the street and neighbors’ yards. However, given the dilapidated state of 228 Mayflower, one could argue that this was for the best.
As one of the homes in our Mayflower Street Renewal Project (and with some funding from our PHARE project), that’s all about to change. ELDI is working on a gut rehab of 228 Mayflower Street to continue our mission of fighting blight in the East End.
In 2022, ELDI was appointed Conservator of this property along with three others on Mayflower and Auburn Streets in Larimer and one on Rural Street in East Liberty. We will make these homes available for affordable homeownership, working with our spin-off organization Catapult Greater Pittsburgh and others to find and prepare homeowners to live in these homes by 2025.
Today, we want to focus on one key part of the rehab process: tree removal. While we are committed to finding ways to make our neighborhood greener, overgrown and dead trees can pose serious risks to properties and individuals.
In the case of the Mayflower Street property the branches were growing through power lines and limbs falling into the yard and working on the house was impossible due to their overgrowth. In July, we enlisted the help of Matthew Adams, founder of the East End based Adams Tree Service. ELDI has worked with Mr. Adams for many years on abandoned and vacant properties such as this. We sat down with the Army veteran to learn more about this project and his work transforming streetscapes across the city.
How did you get into this work?
When I came home from the Army, I needed a job, and all I really knew was trees. My dad had a landscaping business, and I would work with him sometimes. I really liked it, and even before I went to the Army, I had a few clients. When I came back, I bought better chainsaws, ropes, climbing gear, and a new truck and started in late 2019. Ever since, it’s been pretty busy. I now have three or four workers on my team who are just phenomenal.
What services do you offer?
We specialize in professional tree care services. Whether that’s tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, storm damage, or any other tree-related service, we have the expertise and equipment to get the job done efficiently and safely. Our priority is to deliver high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. We understand the impact proper tree care can have on the overall aesthetics and value of properties.
Tell us about the 228 Mayflower project. What work needed to be done?
This project involved the removal of multiple trees and overgrown vegetation. The work included cutting down and removing three large pine trees in the front, as well as one large oak tree near power lines. A small Atlantis tree, woody brush, other small trees, and vegetation on the side of the house were also removed. The rear of the house was cleared of overgrown vegetation, with the removal of a large white pine tree and trimming of encroaching maple tree branches.
What made this job unique was the presence of power lines near the large oak tree, requiring workers who are EHAP (Electrical Hazards Awareness Program) certified for working around high voltage power lines. Additionally, the project included site preparation, debris removal, and a warranty guaranteeing completion and ensuring a thorough and professional job.
In short, it was a mess. The whole neighborhood couldn’t even fathom how we were going to clean it up. The job couldn’t come at a better time either because the trees were so close to the power lines. We also only had a little bit of space to work with since the yard was very small. That was one of the amazing things about this job; how we managed to do it without hitting the house or wires. The job took a total of three days, with the actual cutting taking five or six hours.
228 Mayflower Street after the tree was removed. ELDI is currently rehabbing the property for affordable homeownership.
What was the reaction like from the neighbors?
Everyone was just blown away. I remember everyone was so worried because we were doing the cutting on a Sunday and the home is right by a church, so they thought the street was going to be too busy. It was the most amazing thing. People were walking into church service as we were getting started on the big tree growing through the power lines. As they were coming out of church, the tree was already down. The reactions are always good on lots like this because people have been seeing that stuff for many, many years, and they just get so used to seeing it. It’s different for me, because it’s probably my third or fifth time seeing the property, so when I clean everything up, “I’m like, okay, wow, that looks great” vs the people who’ve been seeing it for the last 10,15 years who are doing back flips.
Is there anything else you want to share about your business or work with ELDI?
I really appreciate ELDI. They really helped me grow a lot, so it’s not only about money with them anymore. It’s about helping. To anyone who needs help with tree removal in East Liberty and beyond, I’m here for for you. Reach out at 412-596-1151.
