and they quoted 900 USD. It's not a huge tree, and for a professional maybe 90 minutes of work.

ridiculous, isn't it? If they were more reasonable, they would likely get more work. I think that it might have been one of the issues for us too - where they assume that people living in a house (most live in apartments or row houses here), we must be rich enough to cover it.

Next time our son comes out, we'll likely take it down together. Cost: a BBQ dinner and a few beers.

That is a deal. I am not game with these ones, as they are tall, close to the house, and if it falls the wrong way, will hit ours or the neighbors place. Better to have someone with insurance.

All a matter of priorities.

Yes.