What affects the cost of tree removal?

Cost depends on tree size, access, proximity to structures, complexity of rigging, cleanup level, and whether stump grinding is included.

Tree Service Questions Answered

Tree Service FAQ

Tree Service FAQs covers the real questions homeowners ask about tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, permits, pricing, safety, cleanup, and what to expect before, during, and after a job.

Tree Service Questions Answered

Tree Service FAQ

Tree Service FAQs covers the real questions homeowners ask about tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, permits, pricing, safety, cleanup, and what to expect before, during, and after a job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers to common questions about permits, pricing, pruning, removals, stump grinding, storm damage, cleanup, and what to expect on the day of service.

How Toronto Tree Services Works

1) Do you do the tree work yourselves?

No. Toronto Tree Services is a referral platform. We connect homeowners and property managers across the GTA with independent, licensed, and fully insured tree care professionals. Think of us like a home inspector — except instead of inspecting houses, we inspect arborists. We have vetted the crews in our network for quality, reliability, insurance, and fair pricing. When you contact us, we match your job to the right professional and stay involved to make sure things go smoothly.

2) Who actually shows up to do the work?

An independent certified arborist or tree care crew from our vetted network. Every professional we refer is licensed, fully insured, and has been evaluated by us before we recommend them to any customer. You will know who is coming before they arrive.

3) Who do I pay — Toronto Tree Services or the arborist?

Payment goes directly to the tree care professional completing the work. We do not collect payment on their behalf. Our referral fee is separate and handled between us and the professional. You pay for the job, nothing extra.

4) Why should I use a referral service instead of just Googling a company?

When you search Google, you have no way of knowing who is legitimate and who is not. Toronto has no shortage of unlicensed crews with no insurance and a pressure sales approach. We have already done the vetting. We have seen these crews work, checked their insurance, evaluated their pricing, and built relationships with the ones who consistently deliver. You get the benefit of that research without doing any of it yourself.

5) How do I know the arborist you refer is actually qualified?

Every professional in our network is ISA certified or works under ISA certified supervision, carries full liability insurance, and has demonstrated consistent quality on real jobs. We do not add anyone to our network based on a phone call or a website. We evaluate their work directly.

6) What if I am not happy with the work?

Contact us immediately. Because we have an ongoing relationship with the professionals in our network, we can escalate concerns in a way that a cold customer complaint cannot. Our referral relationships depend on the professionals delivering quality — that accountability benefits you directly.

7) Why not just call the arborist directly?

You can — but finding the right one takes time, and a bad hire with a chainsaw near your house is a costly mistake. We give you a shortcut to a vetted, insured professional without the research, the back and forth, or the risk of picking wrong.

8) What is the difference between an arborist and a tree cutter?

A tree cutter removes trees. An arborist understands tree biology, structure, health, and risk — and can make decisions that protect your property and the surrounding trees. ISA certified arborists follow industry standards for pruning, removal, and preservation. Not every person with a chainsaw and a truck is an arborist. The professionals in our network are.

9) How do I spot a scam tree company in Toronto?

Watch for door to door solicitation after storms, cash only demands, no written quote, no proof of insurance, pressure to sign immediately, and prices that drop dramatically when you hesitate. Legitimate professionals provide written estimates, carry verifiable insurance, and do not need to pressure you. If something feels off, walk away and call us instead.

Permits and Bylaws

10) Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Sometimes, yes. Permit rules depend on your municipality, whether the tree is on private land or public property, and the tree size. If you tell us your address, we can point you to the right bylaw page and what to check before booking.

11) What does DBH mean and how do I measure it?

DBH means Diameter at Breast Height. Most bylaws measure diameter around 1.37 to 1.4 metres above the ground. Wrap a tape around the trunk for circumference, then divide by 3.14 to estimate diameter.

12) What if the tree is dead or dangerous — do I still need a permit?

Some cities allow exceptions or faster approval for hazardous trees, but it is not safe to assume it is automatic. If the risk is immediate, secure the area first and confirm the permit requirement as soon as possible. Documentation from an assessment can help when urgency is involved.

Pricing and Estimates

13) What affects the price of tree removal the most?

Access, tree size, nearby targets, and job complexity matter most. Carry distance, controlled lowering, multi stem trees, and disposal requirements can also change pricing. Stump grinding and haul away are usually separate line items so the quote stays clear.

14) Can I get a quote from photos?

The professionals we refer can often give a rough range from clear photos and a few details. For an accurate quote, an on site visit is best because access, drop zones, and obstacles drive the real scope.

15) Do you offer free estimates?

Yes. Contact us and we will connect you with the right professional for a free on site estimate. A quick visit lets the arborist confirm access, targets, and the safest method so the number you get is realistic, not a bait and switch figure.

Tree Removal

16) Can the professionals you refer remove trees close to houses, garages, fences, or pools?

Yes. When there is no safe drop zone, the arborists in our network dismantle the tree in sections and lower material in a controlled way. The plan is built around protecting structures, landscaping, and anything in the line of fire.

17) Can removal and stump grinding be done the same day?

Often, yes. It depends on access, underground utilities, and the day's scope. If you want removal and grinding in one visit, mention it when you contact us so we can match you with a crew set up for both.

Stump Grinding

18) Is stump grinding included with tree removal?

Not automatically. Some customers want the stump left temporarily, others want it gone the same day. The professionals we refer quote stump grinding separately so you can decide based on your plans and budget.

19) How deep does a stump need to be ground?

For grass, most homeowners choose below grade so soil and sod can sit cleanly on top. For patios, walkways, or gravel bases, depth depends on your build up and finished grade. Tell us your plan when you contact us and the crew will set the target depth accordingly.

20) Will grinding remove all the roots?

No. Grinding removes the stump and the main root flare near the surface. Most roots remain underground and decay over time, but a few species can still send shoots, so the arborist will plan based on the tree type and your goals.

21) What happens to the wood chips after grinding?

You choose. Chips can be removed, or left in a neat pile if you want them for garden beds. If you are re-sodding, most homeowners prefer chip removal so clean soil can go in.

Pruning and Trimming

22) When is the best time of year to prune?

It depends on the species and what you are trying to achieve. Some trees are best pruned during dormancy, others can be pruned seasonally for clearance and safety. Once we know the tree type and your goal, we will connect you with the right arborist who can recommend timing.

23) Do the arborists in your network top trees?

No. Topping is not a practice the professionals we refer will perform. It leads to weak regrowth, long term structural problems, and often shortens the life of the tree. If your goal is height control or risk reduction, reduction pruning or a structured canopy plan is the right approach. The arborists we refer will walk you through the options.

24) How much can be pruned at once?

It depends on the tree's health, structure, and species. Over pruning can stress a tree and trigger heavy regrowth. The professionals we work with aim for targeted cuts that solve the issue without stripping the canopy.

25) Will pruning help with too much shade?

Often, yes. Selective thinning and canopy lifting can improve light and airflow while keeping the tree balanced and structurally sound. The goal is better sun without creating a tree that looks stripped or becomes unstable.

Storm Damage and Emergencies

26) Do you offer emergency tree service?

Yes. Contact us any time for storm damage or hazardous tree situations. We connect you with a crew as early as possible, typically first thing the following morning. Emergency work starts with making the area safe, then removing hazards and debris as conditions allow. If there are downed power lines, contact the utility first and keep everyone back.

27) What should I do right after a storm if a limb is hanging?

Keep people away from the drop zone and do not attempt ladder cuts. Hanging limbs can shift without warning. Take photos from a safe distance, contact us, and we will get the right crew to you.

28) What are signs a tree might be hazardous?

Sudden leaning, major cracks, dead tops, large hanging limbs, fungus at the base, and cavities can all be warning signs. If the tree changed after a storm, treat it as urgent and keep the area clear until a professional can assess it.

Property Lines and Neighbours

29) Can you remove a tree on a property line?

It can be done, but boundary trees can involve both owners. Written agreement helps avoid disputes, especially if the trunk sits on the line. We recommend sorting permissions before scheduling.

30) Can I prune branches that hang over my yard from a neighbour's tree?

Sometimes, but there are practical and legal limits, and poor cuts can destabilize the tree. The cleanest approach is to speak with the neighbour first, then prune in a way that keeps the tree healthy and safe. The arborists we refer follow proper pruning standards so cuts are clean and defensible.

Safety, Insurance, and Hiring

31) Are the arborists you refer insured?

Yes. Every professional in our network carries full liability insurance and worker coverage. Before any job begins, you can request proof of insurance. We also recommend asking any tree company — referred or not — to provide their certificate before work starts.

32) What should I ask before hiring any tree company?

Ask for proof of liability insurance and worker coverage. Ask for a written quote before anything is signed. Ask how the crew plans to handle pieces near structures. Ask whether cleanup and haul away are included. A professional will answer all of these without hesitation. One who cannot or will not is a red flag.

33) Can the crews you refer work near power lines?

It depends on clearance and line type. Work near conductors may require special procedures or utility involvement. The arborists we refer assess the situation and recommend the safest path forward before any cutting begins.

34) Will equipment damage my lawn or driveway?

The professionals we refer plan staging and routes to reduce impact, especially on tight lots. If lawn protection is a priority, flag it when you contact us so the crew can plan equipment routes around it from the start.

Arborist Reports and Planning

35) What is an arborist report and when do I need one?

An arborist report is a written assessment of a tree's condition, risk level, and recommended next steps. It is commonly required for city removal permits, insurance claims, construction protection plans, or when a decision between removal and preservation is not straightforward. It puts the situation in plain language with professional documentation behind it.

36) Can you connect me with someone for an arborist report?

Yes. We connect you with ISA certified arborists who can assess your tree, document concerns, and provide a formal report. If you need it for a specific purpose such as a permit or a neighbour dispute, let us know so we can match you with the right professional for that situation.

Preparing for Your Appointment

37) Can I keep the firewood from my tree?

Yes. Tell us when you contact us so we can pass that along to the crew. They will cut it to manageable lengths and stack it where you want, as long as there is safe space to do so.

38) How should I prepare before the crew arrives?

Move vehicles out of the driveway, clear fragile items near the work zone, and keep pets inside. If you know where sprinklers, septic lids, or shallow utilities are, point them out when the crew arrives. It helps them plan safer drop zones and equipment routes from the start.