Taking Down a Tree

Last fall, I noticed that the ash tree in my south yard was dying out at the crown on down.  I should have seen it coming.  Ash trees all over the state are dying due to the Emerald Ash Borer (insect) infestation.  The tree was alive last season before it showed signs of death by bug.  I decided to see how it would be in the spring.

Well, now it is spring...and the tree is gone.  There are a precious few tiny sprigs of green on it, but it is way past any hope of saving.  It is a mature tree...a big tree...and I will miss it.  But now I am challenged to have a funeral.

I have calls in to several places in order to get estimates to take that big boy down.  The Town of Plainfield tells me that I do not need a permit to have it removed...so now I am just looking for the cheapest estimate.  I want the tree down, wood removed, and stump ground...all in one day.  Would be nice if I could get it done for $600 or less.  Care to guess how that will go??  

Wish me luck!