re: Tree removal- estimates?

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You will have current dates of coverage on the General Liability certificate of insurance. $3k is a good deal for four large oaks but still get a few estimates. And as said if you can wait for a couple months or so and let the rush subside and the cost might come down. Chances are it at least won't go up. Not all tree removal services are licensed arborist nor do they have to be. If you are trimming or pruning that is important but removal it's not that critical. You certainly want someone who knows what they are doing and Baton Rouge has a bunch of good tree removal companies. Just do a bit of homework.

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Good points to consider. Here's my situation regarding it all- the trees appear healthy. They drop occasional branches (as all do), but they've made it through Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Isaac fine. They are all tall, straight oaks, all right on my side of the property line, and are between my house and my neighbor's. They overhang both our houses; and her house is south of mine (the winds were blowing them her direction on Isaac).
My neighbor and I have discussed them several times over the years since Katrina (any of the trees would cause major damage), and I (Tuesday) said "yeah, they're nice and shady, but too dangerous, and I'll do something about them". And truth be told, I was watching them sway very anxiously during the winds.

It wasn't a hostile conversation by any means, but I do think I now have to do something to maintain good relations with her (basically keep my promise). I'm balancing that, and the quoted price, with the fact that the tree guy was pretty pushy (he apparently knows her, and she brought him by yesterday prior to the game to discuss the trees). I wasn't fond of the way I got the price (he kept asking what I could pay, and I kept responding how much should it cost); and I wasn't thrilled with the statement "FEMA will pay to take the trees from the street now, whereas later you will have to pay more to remove them".

This guy's card does say licensed and bonded.

Re the trees and their placement to the houses- this can't be a "bubba job". I would say only 1 of the 4 could actually be laid down into the yard with any certainty, and in my opinion the other 3 absolutely would need a crane. All 4 are way too thick for any non-pro to go after with a chainsaw (regardless of where they are; it could be in the middle of a field all alone. I'd say the smallest has about a 8 ft diameter)