Emergency Tree Service in Markham
We provide 24/7 emergency tree service throughout Markham. When a tree falls on your driveway, a large limb tears away in a wind storm, or a split trunk is leaning toward your house, call us at (437) 367-8733. We dispatch crews to all Markham neighbourhoods including Unionville, Cornell, Angus Glen, Cathedraltown, Berczy Village, Milliken Mills and Box Grove.
Emergency tree work in Markham is exempt from the standard permit process when there is immediate risk to people or property. Our arborist documents the hazard condition on arrival, which creates a record of the emergency circumstances in the event of any subsequent inquiry from the City's Urban Forestry department.
Emergency Situations We Handle
- Fallen trees blocking driveways, roads or access points
- Trees fallen on structures, fences, vehicles or utility lines
- Large hanging or half-broken limbs above occupied areas
- Storm-split trunks with sections leaning toward structures
- Uprooted trees with exposed root plates over utilities
- Post-storm assessments to identify non-obvious hazards
What Happens When You Call
When you call our emergency line, our dispatcher takes the location, describes the situation to the on-call crew and confirms an estimated arrival time. We keep crews available after hours and on weekends throughout storm season and year-round for genuine emergencies. On arrival, our lead arborist assesses the full situation before any cuts are made, identifies all hazards including secondary lean and any utility involvement, and sets a clear work sequence.
For trees on or near hydro lines, we work in coordination with the utility. We do not work on live lines and will advise you on the hydro company contact process where the utility is involved in the failure. For everything clear of utility lines, we get to work immediately.
After the Emergency Is Cleared
Once the immediate hazard is resolved, we provide a full written account of the work performed. If the fallen or damaged tree needs to be fully removed and a permit is required under By-law 2023-164, we advise on the process and can file the application on your behalf. We also advise on any other trees on the property that show storm damage or pre-existing structural concerns so you are not caught off guard in the next weather event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is emergency tree work exempt from the Markham permit requirement?
Yes, generally. By-law 2023-164 provides for emergency situations where a tree poses immediate danger to persons or property. Our arborist documents the hazard condition thoroughly upon arrival, which supports the emergency exemption in the event of any review by the City of Markham's Urban Forestry department. We advise on the specific circumstances at the site visit.
What if the tree has fallen on hydro lines?
Do not approach a tree that is in contact with power lines. Call 911 first if there is immediate danger, then call Alectra Utilities (the distribution utility serving most of Markham) to report the line contact. We will coordinate with the utility on arrival and handle the tree work once the lines are confirmed safe. We do not work on energized lines under any circumstances.
Will my insurance cover emergency tree removal?
Most homeowner insurance policies cover the cost of removing a tree that has fallen on an insured structure such as a house, garage or fence. Removal of a tree that fell in the open without hitting a structure is often not covered. We provide detailed written invoices and can provide documentation for insurance claims. Check your specific policy for coverage details.
What counts as a true emergency versus a non-urgent tree concern?
A true emergency involves active or imminent risk: a tree that has already fallen, a limb that is broken and hanging directly over an occupied area, a trunk that has split and is leaning. A tree that looks unhealthy, has some dead branches, or is close to the house but fully structurally intact is a concern worth addressing promptly but is not an emergency. Call us either way and we will advise on the appropriate response timeline.
How quickly can you respond in Markham?
Response time depends on the volume of calls during major storm events. For single-property emergencies outside of storm surges, we typically arrive within two to four hours. During widespread storm events across the region, we prioritize by hazard severity. We provide an estimated arrival window when you call.
More Markham Tree Services
Get a Free Estimate for Tree Work in Markham
We serve all of Markham including Unionville, Cornell, Markham Village, Angus Glen, Cathedraltown, Berczy Village, Wismer Commons, Box Grove, Milliken Mills, Cachet, Raymerville, Greensborough and Buttonville. Our certified arborist visits your property, confirms bylaw requirements and provides a firm written quote before any work begins.