Dennis,

>>There is a small hole it the trunk about 25 feet up with honey bees 
flying in and out.

I'm glad these tree cutters have not opted to spray the bees - most 
do.  I'd suggest the following approach:

1. Late in the evening, the day before the tree cutters arrive, climb 
up to the hole and screen it over (window screening or #4 mesh). You 
can use a 24-ft ladder.

2. The tree cutters normally work from a bucket starting at the top of 
the tree and working their way towards the ground.  Let them do this 
but stop when they are about 5 ft above the entrance hole.

3. Smoke the bees through the screened entrance hole.  The tree 
cutters should then cut about 12" off the main trunk until they come 
across the nest top or you can see bees through the empty hole.

4. Smoke the bees again and screen the open top.  Have the cutters 
make the next cut approx. 5 ft under the entrance hole and lower this 
section to the ground.  If there is an open hole at the bottom, you'll 
need to screen or nail a piece of plywood on to contain the bees.

5. The cutters can now finish removing the tree.

6. You can now have the fun of taking the tree section with the bees 
apart and moving them into a hive.

Waldemar
Long Island, NY

PS.  I've removed many honey bee nests.  I can give you a hand, if 
you'd like.  Drop me an email directly.

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