How often should I prune my trees?

This answer is very dependant on your goals for your trees. Most trees benefit from a canopy cleaning (removing dead branches, improving structure, removing defects) every 2–5 years depending on species, age, health, and location. Young trees need yearly structural pruning to prevent future defects, and fruit trees need yearly maintenance due to their growth habits, to encourage/discourage fruiting, and water sprouts (epicormic growth). We’d recommend yearly service for ornamentals and hedging to keep their beauty; once they’ve outgrown their desired size it can be a multiple-year process to reduce them again. It’s better to keep ornamentals on a schedule than calling us in when they’re too far gone… That being said we do love a salvage mission. Save! That! Tree!

Why is it so expensive? Why can’t I hire my neighbour’s kid?

An ISA Certified Arborist is trained in tree biology, safe work practices, pruning standards, risk assessment, and long-term health—not just removal. There are very few barriers for an amateur with a chainsaw and a truck to market themselves as a “qualified arborist”, so be wary and make sure to ask for an ISA Certification Number and proof of insurance.

Some red flags when hiring an arborist:

• The climber uses spurs when trimming. Spurs/gaffs/spikes are used EXCLUSIVELY FOR REMOVALS. Spurring a live tree can cause a number of problems down the road due to insect infestation, disease, and decay.

• Extension ladders. If the person you hire opts to lean a regular old ladder on a tree rather than climb it, chances are they don’t know what they’re doing and they are going to get injured on your property. Orchard (tri-pod) ladders are commonly used for ornamental pruning when the trees are too small to climb, and these are safe and trusted.

• Their quote is under $500. Cheaper is not always better. When you hire an arborist, you are paying for skill, experience, previous schooling, and most importantly liability insurance. If a quote is significantly cheaper than the rest, ask the tree cutter for their credentials and proof of insurance and watch them sweat.

• No PPE. Personal protective equipment such as helmets, ear muffs, gloves, glasses, chainsaw protective pants, steel toed boots, are required across the industry. If your arborist doesn’t look nerdy by wearing their PPE while working, they are putting themselves at risk and are likely to void their insurance while on your property.

Do you need permission to remove a tree in Toronto?

Yes—if it's 30 cm (12") diameter or larger, you must get an arborist report and apply for a permit under the Private Tree Bylaw. We’d be happy to do the report for you. Even if the tree is fully dead and eligible for exemption, the City of Toronto determines whether or not it is exempt. An arborist report must still be written. The exemption is for the permit fees. In most cases when removing a permit-sized tree, the city will require a replacement tree be planted on the same property. The city determines the size and species of the replacement tree.

When is the best time of year to prune trees?

Late fall to early spring is ideal for most species—trees are dormant, pests are inactive, and structure is easier to see. Some species have special timing needs (e.g., maples, birch, fruit trees). Hedges are best done in the spring after their first push of growth. Arborists work year round, and winter is the best time to prune.

What are the signs a tree might be hazardous?

Look for dead or hanging limbs, trunk cracks, mushrooms at the base, leaning, canopy dieback, recent soil heaving, or peeling soggy bark at the base. If you’re concerned about your tree contact us and we’ll come do an inspection.

Do trees need fertilizer?

Only if soil is nutrient-poor or the tree shows signs of deficiency. What’s key is making sure your soil has decaying organic matter to feed the soil and prevent it from becoming arid. Mulch and/or leaf litter are great ways to ensure your garden stays healthy and nourished.

Should I remove a tree close to my house?

Not always. Proximity alone isn’t a reason for removal. The tree’s health, root stability, and species characteristics matter more. What matters most in this situation is making sure you have a qualified arborist making smart decisions about pruning. Bad pruning cuts can lead to internal decay, and can shorten the lifespan of your tree significantly, causing a greater risk. We offer cabling services when appropriate to support defects.

Why does tree work cost more in downtown or tight-access spaces?

Limited access, parking challenges, risk mitigation, and the need for manual rigging increases labour time. Our goal is to leave each property looking cleaner than it did when we arrived, and to operate with care and precision material needs to be cut smaller and moved carefully.

What is the safest way to remove a tree in a small backyard?

Professional climbers use ropes, rigging systems, and controlled lowering to avoid damaging houses, fences, gardens, and neighbouring properties. The safest way is to call in the professionals. If it’s small enough to be felled and you’re determined to do it yourself, wear a helmet and chainsaw protective chaps, and do your research on how to properly fell a tree. When things go wrong they go quick, and there’s a reason it’s one of the deadliest jobs in Canada.

Why shouldn't I top my tree?

Topping causes weak regrowth, disease entry points, decay, and long-term structural problems. It’s considered harmful, and there are very few cases where it is deemed an appropriate solution. Most times, topping your tree will make it more dangerous. If you are concerned about a pine or spruce close to your house, having it regularly inspected and removed/replaced when needed will keep you far safer.