Questions & Answers
Tree Questions from Niagara Homeowners
Costs, permits, timing and what to do when a tree comes down.
How much does tree removal cost in Niagara?
Ontario pricing guides put a small tree, under about 9 metres, at roughly $300 to $800. A medium tree of 9 to 18 metres runs about $800 to $1,500, and a large tree over 18 metres about $1,500 to $3,000. Trees next to the house, dead ash that has to be taken down carefully, poor backyard access and full wood haul-away all push the price up. We give you a written price after we've seen the tree.
How much does tree pruning cost?
Pruning prices vary a lot from one tree to the next. A small ornamental can be a short job, while a big maple that needs deadwood removed and its crown thinned can take a crew most of a day. Because the range is so wide, we price pruning on site after looking at the tree. Booking several trees on one visit usually lowers the cost per tree.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in the Niagara Region?
For an ordinary tree in your own yard, usually not. The main exceptions are woodlands under the Region's by-law, larger trees in Lincoln and Fort Erie, and trees on city or town property. Rules change, so we check your address before we cut.
- Woodlands. The Region's Woodland Conservation By-law protects woodlands of one hectare or more, and smaller woodlands in Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Pelham, St. Catharines and West Lincoln. Dead trees and trees that are a hazard to people or property are exempt.
- Lincoln. Trees 15 cm or more in diameter at chest height in the Town's urban areas need a permit or an exemption letter.
- Fort Erie. The Town's by-law covers larger trees in its urban area and trees in natural heritage areas.
- Municipal trees. Boulevard and park trees belong to the city or town, and only they can remove them.
Can I trim the City tree in front of my house?
No. In St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake and most other Niagara municipalities, trees on the boulevard or other public land belong to the municipality, and residents aren't allowed to prune or remove them. If one needs attention, call your city or town. In St. Catharines that's Citizens First at 905-688-5600.
What's the difference between pruning and trimming?
On our quotes, pruning means cutting for the tree's health and structure: deadwood, weak or crossing branches, thinning and reduction. Trimming means cutting for clearance and appearance: branches off the roof and away from the driveway, the view or the wire to your house. Many jobs include both.
What's the right time of year to prune trees in Niagara?
Late winter, from about January to March, suits most trees. They're dormant, the branch structure is easy to see and the cuts start closing as soon as growth begins. Oaks are a special case: oak wilt has turned up in Niagara, and federal guidance is to leave oaks uncut between April and the end of November. Dead and dangerous branches can be removed at any time.
Do you work during nesting season?
Yes, carefully. Federal law protects active bird nests, and in southern Ontario most birds nest from about April to August. From spring through late summer we check each tree for nests before we start. If there's an active nest in the way, we work around it or come back once the young have left.
What should I do if a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone out of the damaged part of the house. Stay at least 10 metres from any fallen or sagging wire, and call 911 and your electricity utility if a line is involved. Take photos from a safe distance, call your insurer, and then call us. Don't try to cut a tree that's resting on the house yourself.
How much does stump grinding cost?
Niagara-area pricing guides put stump grinding at about $150 to $600 per stump, depending mainly on its width. Extra stumps on the same visit cost less each. Backfilling with topsoil and hauling the chips away are priced as options.
Is an arborist the same as a tree service?
Not necessarily. An arborist is trained to assess and care for individual trees. An ISA Certified Arborist has passed the International Society of Arboriculture's exam and keeps up continuing education. Ontario also certifies arborists as a skilled trade (444A) after an apprenticeship and a provincial exam. A tree service does the cutting, and may or may not have a certified arborist on staff. You can check an ISA credential in the society's public online directory, and ask to see an Ontario certificate.
Do you clean up afterwards?
Always. Branches are chipped, and wood is cut to firewood length, stacked or hauled away, whichever you choose. Lawns, beds and driveways are raked and blown off before we leave. If you'd like the wood chips for your garden, just ask.
Are you insured?
Yes. Our crew is insured and has WSIB coverage. We're happy to show proof of insurance before the job starts.
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