Tree Work in Tight Spaces? Use a Spider Lift

Let’s break it down. A spider lift (sometimes called a tracked aerial platform) is a compact machine that allows our crew to safely reach heights up to 75–100 feet—all while being slim and light enough to fit through a standard backyard gate. It gets its name from the stabilizing legs that extend outward like a spider—creating a wide, balanced base on uneven or sloped terrain. This thing can climb stairs, roll over soft grass, and fit into spots where no bucket truck or crane would even try. And most importantly—it does all that without tearing up your property.

Tight Spaces, No Problem: The Spider Lift Advantage in Residential Tree Work

“In tree removal, it’s not just about muscle—it’s about precision. The right equipment makes all the difference.”

Tree work in residential neighborhoods can be deceptively complex.

You’ve got narrow side yards. Overhead wires. Flower beds you don’t want trampled. A patio built just a little too close to that aging maple. Every homeowner wants the tree gone—but no one wants torn-up turf, cracked pavers, or a crew that spends more time figuring out access than actually doing the job.

That’s why we at ALX Tree Service invested in a spider lift—one of the smartest, safest, and most nimble machines in the tree care world.

It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. But in practice? It’s a game-changer for Wethersfield-area homeowners and tree crews alike.

🕷️ What Is a Spider Lift?

Let’s break it down.

A spider lift (sometimes called a tracked aerial platform) is a compact machine that allows our crew to safely reach heights up to 75–100 feet—all while being slim and light enough to fit through a standard backyard gate.

It gets its name from the stabilizing legs that extend outward like a spider—creating a wide, balanced base on uneven or sloped terrain.

This thing can climb stairs, roll over soft grass, and fit into spots where no bucket truck or crane would even try.

And most importantly—it does all that without tearing up your property.

🧠 Why It’s Perfect for Residential Tree Work

Not all tree removals are created equal.

When your tree is stuck behind a garden shed, squeezed between fences, or hovering over the corner of your roof, you don’t want a company guessing their way through the job.

You want tools and a team that can get it done cleanly, efficiently, and with no drama.

✅ It Handles Tight, Tricky Spots

Most traditional tree equipment needs a straight shot of access. The spider lift? It can be driven right through a 36” gate, pivot around landscaping, and nestle into backyard corners that were previously off-limits.

✅ It Reduces Lawn & Landscape Damage

Forget about ruts from heavy bucket trucks. The spider lift rolls on non-marking rubber tracks that evenly distribute weight and protect your lawn, garden beds, and hardscapes.

No heavy tire tracks. No crushed shrubs. Just clean, careful work.

✅ It Increases Safety (for Everyone)

Tree work is dangerous by nature—especially when climbing is involved. The spider lift allows our arborists to stay stable at height, work around limbs with full visibility, and avoid risky rigging over structures.

Fewer surprises = fewer accidents = peace of mind for you and us both.

✅ It Speeds Up the Job

Because we can work smarter—not harder—the spider lift cuts down job time. That means:

• Less noise in your neighborhood

• Fewer hours with workers on-site

• And faster turnaround, especially in storm situations

🏠 Perfect for Avon, Windsor & West Hartford Homes

We see it every week: older trees in older neighborhoods, packed into small yards with no vehicle access.

We’ve used the spider lift in:

• Compact Avon backyards with steep slopes

• Tight West Hartford lots where tree limbs hung over 3 different property lines

• Windsor homes with no side-yard access and delicate garden features

In each case, the spider lift let us do the job quickly, quietly, and cleanly, without having to tear out fences or drive heavy trucks across the lawn.

🧰 Real-World Example: One Machine, No Yard Damage

A client in West Hartford had a 60-foot ash tree dying behind their garage. There was no driveway access—just a narrow gate and a stretch of delicate pavers.

A crane couldn’t get in. A bucket truck was impossible. Climbing would’ve risked breaking limbs over the roof.

Enter the spider lift.

We rolled it through the gate, stabilized on the pavers, removed the tree in sections, and were out before lunchtime. Zero property damage. No disruption to the client’s day. And the best part? The crew didn’t have to rig ropes over the neighbor’s shed.

🌟 Why We Invested in the Spider Lift

Not every tree company has this kind of gear. Why? It’s expensive. It takes training. And it’s not one-size-fits-all.

But we didn’t start ALX Tree Service to do average work. We started it to bring high-end, high-safety, homeowner-focused service to Connecticut—and tools like this make that possible.

For us, the spider lift isn’t a luxury. It’s a commitment. To do better. To be safer. And to leave your property better than we found it.

📞 Got a Tight Space or Tricky Tree? Let’s Talk.

If you’ve been putting off a removal or trimming job because access looks impossible—don’t stress. We’ve likely already tackled something tougher.

Schedule a free quote with ALX Tree Service today, and let’s see how we can take care of your trees—without damaging your yard, your fence, or your peace of mind.

We bring the tech. We bring the talent. You just bring the tree.