At Challengers Tree Service, the size of the job doesn’t slow us down. We own and operate a full fleet of heavy-duty equipment built for large removals, lot clearing, storm response, and commercial tree work across Columbus, Grove City, and Central Ohio.
From our company-owned crane to grapple trucks, stump grinders, and chippers, we bring everything needed to handle big trees safely and efficiently. Family-owned, licensed, insured, and bonded, we serve homeowners, contractors, and commercial properties with the same standard: do the work right, clean up completely, and stand behind every job.
- Company-Owned Crane
- 24/7 Emergency Response
- Licensed, Insured & Bonded
- 2-Hour Emergency Arrival
Heavy Lifting Power for the Toughest Removals
Our crane is the centerpiece of our fleet, and a major reason customers across Columbus call Challengers first for large or hazardous removals. With it, we can safely lift massive trees away from homes, garages, fences, and power lines in pieces, instead of dropping them and risking damage.
Owning our own crane also means we respond faster. We’re not waiting on a rental or a sub-contractor. When you call, the crane comes with our crew, often within hours for emergencies.
Benefits
- Safer removals near homes, roofs, and structures.
- Faster jobs with large sections lifted at once.
- Less property damage compared to dropping limbs.
- Two-hour response available for storm emergencies.
- Owned, not rented, so we control the schedule.
- Operated by trained crew with years of experience.
The Right Machinery for Every Phase of the Job
Big jobs need the right gear. Beyond the crane, our fleet includes every machine we need to remove trees, clear lots, grind stumps, and haul away debris in a single visit. Here’s what we bring to the job site.
1. Grapple Trucks
Our grapple trucks scoop up logs, branches, and debris quickly and efficiently. They cut hauling time dramatically and protect your lawn from repeated foot traffic. For lot clearing and storm cleanup, they are the workhorse of the fleet.
2. Bucket Trucks & Aerial Lifts
For tall removals, deadwood, or trimming work over rooftops and power lines, our bucket trucks give the crew a stable, elevated platform. That means safer cuts, faster work, and less wear on our climbers for routine high-up jobs.
3. Stump Grinders
After a removal, we grind the stump below ground level so it won’t sprout back, attract pests, or trip anyone. We run both compact grinders for tight backyards and large machines for commercial lots and big trunks.
4. Wood Chippers
Our commercial chippers turn limbs and brush into clean mulch on site. That means less hauling, faster cleanup, and a tidy property when we leave. For routine jobs, the chipper handles most of the debris before it ever hits the truck.
5. Skid Steers & Land Clearing Gear
For lot and land clearing, we bring skid steers with mulching heads, brush cutters, and other heavy attachments. Whether you’re prepping for construction or clearing an overgrown property, we have the machinery to clear it fast.
6. Climbing Gear & Rigging
When equipment can’t reach, our climbers do. We use ANSI-rated ropes, harnesses, and rigging hardware to lower heavy limbs safely piece by piece, protecting everything below the canopy. Every rope and saddle is inspected before each job.
Have a big job? Call (614) 683-2322 for fast estimates on large removals, storm cleanup, or lot clearing in Columbus and Central Ohio.
Built for Residential and Commercial Jobs
Our equipment handles everything from a single backyard removal to multi-acre lot clearing. Homeowners count on us for hazardous trees and storm damage. Builders, property managers, and commercial clients count on us for fast, large-scale work that keeps projects on schedule. Same fleet, same standards, scaled to fit the job.
What High-Volume Equipment Makes Possible
The right machines change the entire experience of a tree job. Here’s what you get when professional equipment shows up:
- Big trees removed safely with crane-assisted cuts.
- Faster project timelines across large properties.
- Less property damage from controlled lifts.
- Complete cleanup with grapple trucks and chippers.
- Lot clearing in days, not weeks.
When a tree comes down on a house, garage, or driveway, you need fast help. Our crane and emergency crew can be on site within two hours for most calls in the Columbus area. Day or night, we move quickly and safely to secure your property.
Honest Estimates, Transparent Pricing
Heavy equipment doesn’t mean inflated prices. We give you a clear, written estimate up front, and we stick to it. Large jobs that involve the crane or specialty machinery are priced fairly based on the work involved, with no surprise fees. Free estimates are available, and we can usually get to you within a few days.
Why Choose Challengers Tree Service
- Owner-operated by Joe Shortridge and a trusted local crew.
- Company-owned crane for fast, safe large removals.
- Licensed, insured & bonded for every job.
- 5-star rated by hundreds of Columbus-area clients.
- 24/7 emergency response with 2-hour arrival.
- Full debris hauling included on every job.
Where We Work Across Central Ohio
- Columbus & Grove City: Full coverage for residential and commercial work.
- Dublin & Powell: Large tree removals and routine maintenance.
- Hilliard & Westerville: Storm response and hazardous tree work.
- Gahanna & Reynoldsburg: Lot clearing and commercial projects.
- Blacklick & Orient: Rural removals and land clearing.
Equipment Built for Central Ohio’s Trees
Columbus and the surrounding area are full of mature oaks, maples, and pines that often outgrow the yards they were planted in. When those trees come down, whether by age, disease, or a summer storm, you need a crew with the right machinery to handle them safely. Our fleet is built and maintained for exactly that kind of work, and our team knows how to use every piece of it on Central Ohio properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really own your own crane?
Yes. The crane is part of our fleet, operated by our own trained crew. That’s why we can respond fast and price large jobs competitively without subcontracting.
How big of a tree can you remove?
With our crane and bucket trucks, we can handle nearly any size tree common in Central Ohio, including mature oaks, maples, and pines. We’ll assess each tree during the estimate and choose the safest removal method.
Will your equipment damage my lawn?
We take real care to protect your property. We use mats when needed, plan our routes across the lawn, and clean up completely. Lawn protection is part of the job.
Can your crane fit in my backyard?
Often, yes. Many removals can be done from the street or driveway, which means we don’t need to drive into the yard at all. We’ll confirm access during the estimate.
How fast can you respond to an emergency?
For most emergency calls in the Columbus area, we can be on site within two hours, 24/7. Storm damage, fallen trees, and hanging limbs get prioritized.
Do you handle commercial and lot clearing jobs?
Absolutely. Our fleet is built for large-scale work, including commercial properties, construction site prep, and full lot or land clearing. Get in touch for a fast estimate.
Is debris cleanup included?
Yes. Every job includes chipping, hauling, and cleanup. We don’t leave piles of brush or logs behind unless you ask us to leave wood for firewood.
Are your operators and equipment insured?
Yes. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded. Every piece of equipment is maintained on a strict service schedule, and our crew is trained on every machine they operate.
Ready to See Heavy-Duty Tree Service in Action?
Call (614) 683-2322 today for a free estimate on tree removal, storm cleanup, lot clearing, or any large-scale tree work in Columbus and Central Ohio. From our crane to our chippers, we bring the right equipment and the right crew to every job.
