Been trying to get three cottonwoods removed from backyard for over a year . First three attempts this summer failed because of weather, equipment unavailable, who knows. Finally found guy from nearby town who uses an electro/hydraulic lift. Fully licensed, permitted and insured No need for bucket truck and mobile crane in yard. Murphy arrived Tuesday morning. Scruffy looking is being kind. Equipment just as bad.One outrigger on lift had taken major hit. Feeling of impending doom continued unabated. Day ended with house still in one piece. Wednesday morning dread. Late start, saws won't run longer than five minutes without fiddling with them. Several large booms as branches came down. And then the big one. Rushed out expecting to see major damage. Missed the roof but damaged gutter. Man said he could bend it out. Nope. This is a new house with seamless gutters. I have a man who can fix it. Nope. Going to use my man. Fifty six feet of gutter replacement, $416.00. This before lunch. Crew goes to lunch and then I see police officer in back yard looking for owner. No city permit. City says his insurance must be checked by city attorney. Going to pull equipment out and come back next week. His truck starts up and a huge ball of smoke envelopes 350 diesel. Returns for equipment Thursday morning.Tell him not to come back. Appointment with our attorney Friday morning. Another tree service found by early afternoon. Work supposed to start next Wednesday. Bucket truck and crane again. Still trying to find our cat who apparently has found a secret compartment to hide in. As the 15th century knight told Indiana, "He Choose Poorly."