Local service guide
Tree Cutting and Arborist Services in Burlington, VT
Arrange Tree Cutting and Arborist Services by checking who manages the tree, asking an arborist to assess your goal, and comparing written scopes before booking. Burlington’s Trees Team maintains street right-of-way and park trees. For private removal, check zoning thresholds and exemptions, then agree on access, cleanup, stump work, and insurance documentation. For downed wires or limbs touching wires, call Burlington Electric Department at 802-865-7300 and avoid contact. [1] [2] [4]
Establish who manages the tree
Start with the tree’s location. Burlington’s Trees Team inspects and maintains trees in the street right-of-way and city parks. Staff respond to individual concerns, inspect trees, and schedule work as needed. The city lists 802-735-3055 for questions about specific trees or reports of dead or hazardous right-of-way trees. Ask the city to establish responsibility if you cannot determine the status of a tree beside the road. [2]
For a private tree, describe the outcome you want before requesting a price. You might want an assessment of declining foliage, clearance of a particular branch, or removal with replacement planting. Ask the assessor to explain the proposed work and alternatives. Identify each tree on a photograph or sketch so the quote and crew instructions refer to the same tree.
Resolve zoning before booking removal
Burlington lists a zoning permit requirement for removing six or more trees, each at least 10 inches in caliper, or ten or more trees, each at least 3 inches in caliper, during any consecutive 12-month period. For this development, the city requires advance Development Review Board approval before issuing a zoning permit. Include earlier removals when you discuss the proposed work with the Zoning Division. [1]
The city also lists an exemption for tree removal on a lot containing a single-family home or duplex when the lot measures no more than three-quarters of an acre. Another exemption covers individual removal projects under an approved and valid tree maintenance plan. Bring your lot size, property use, tree measurements, and proposed scope to the Zoning Division. Ask how the exemptions apply if you also plan clearing, excavation, or other site improvements. [1]
For a documented answer, ask about a determination of non-applicability. The administrative officer can issue a written decision that a zoning permit is unnecessary, and the city requires photographs of the existing condition. The decision remains subject to the administrative appeal period. Confirm the applicable timing before committing to a crew date. [1]
Assess an ash tree before choosing treatment
Burlington confirmed emerald ash borer in July 2024. In its update last revised March 23, 2026, the city reports continuing ash removals and damage from larvae feeding beneath the bark. Infested ash trees typically die within two to five years, according to the city, and become brittle and prone to large branch failure as they decline. Ask an arborist to identify your tree and assess its condition before you decide on retention or removal. [3]
The city describes systemic insecticide injections every two years as an indefinite treatment commitment. Ask for a proposal that names the tree, repeat schedule, follow-up assessment, and circumstances that would change the recommendation. Compare that ongoing commitment with a removal proposal and your replacement-planting plans. [3]
If you fund treatment of an ash street tree, coordinate with City Arborist VJ Comai at 802-735-3055. The city asks residents to notify him so staff can add the tree to the treatment list and ensure it is not removed. Confirm that coordination before paying for street-tree treatment. [3]
Compare complete written quotes
Ask each bidder to inspect the same trees and price the same outcome. Separate pruning, removal, stump grinding, and disposal in the scope. For pruning, record the branches or objective. For removal, specify whether the crew will haul logs and chips, leave usable wood, or place material in an agreed location.
Request liability insurance documentation and ask about workers’ compensation coverage for the crew. Identify who will assess the tree and supervise the work, and ask about their relevant credentials. Have the contractor explain equipment access, protection for the house and retained trees, and any arrangements involving neighboring property. Treat these as hiring questions rather than assumptions about what a contractor provides.
For stump grinding, agree on depth, chip removal, backfill, and final surface condition. Record who handles approvals, access arrangements, and property repairs. Use site-specific written quotes to set your budget, and compare totals after the scopes match. Ask the contractor to identify exclusions and explain how you would approve a change in price.
Prepare access and address utility hazards
For downed wires or limbs on wires, Burlington Electric Department instructs residents to call 802-865-7300 and, if necessary, the police. Do not touch the wires or limbs. The utility warns that even the ground around a downed wire can carry a deadly electrical charge. Keep people away and await utility instructions before arranging cleanup. [4]
For planned work, agree on parking, gate access, equipment placement, and the area you must keep clear. Ask how the contractor will handle snow clearance or a weather delay. Move vehicles and outdoor belongings according to the agreed access plan, and confirm how you will communicate with the supervisor during the work.
The city’s urban forestry overview reports 8,500 street trees and 3,100 park trees, as shown in the chart. Those figures describe the municipal program. For your project, establish the individual tree’s location and management responsibility with the Trees Team rather than using the inventory to infer ownership. [2]
Tree counts in Burlington’s municipal forestry overview
Local details that affect your job
Lot size can change the permit step
Burlington exempts tree removal on a lot containing a single-family home or duplex of no more than three-quarters of an acre. Ask the Zoning Division to apply that provision to your lot and scope before relying on tree count alone. [1]
Route street-tree concerns to the city
The Trees Team responds to concerns about street right-of-way trees and schedules work after inspection as needed. The city lists 802-735-3055 for questions and reports of dead or hazardous right-of-way trees. [2]
Coordinate privately funded street-ash treatment
The city asks residents paying to treat an ash street tree to notify VJ Comai at 802-735-3055. Staff can record the treated tree and ensure it is not removed under the city’s ash-removal program. [3]
Choose the next step before hiring
| Situation | Next step | Scope to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Concerning street tree | Contact the City Arborist at 802-735-3055 | Establish right-of-way status and request inspection |
| Private multi-tree removal | Check zoning thresholds and exemptions | Include removals within the consecutive 12-month period |
| Ash tree you hope to retain | Request an arborist assessment | Discuss condition and recurring treatment |
| Privately treated ash street tree | Notify the City Arborist | Ask staff to record the treated tree |
| Downed wire or limb on a wire | Call Burlington Electric Department at 802-865-7300 | Avoid contact and await utility instructions |
Your hiring checklist
- Photograph and identify each tree in the scope.
- Establish private ownership or ask the city about right-of-way status.
- Gather lot size, property use, and recent removal history for the zoning discussion.
- Ask the assessor to explain pruning, treatment, or removal options.
- Request insurance documentation and identify the crew supervisor.
- Agree on equipment access, debris disposal, stump finish, and property protection.
- Record approval responsibilities, weather-delay terms, exclusions, and price changes in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small residential lot need a tree-removal zoning permit?
The city lists an exemption for tree removal on a lot containing a single-family home or duplex of no more than three-quarters of an acre. Confirm your lot and scope with the Zoning Division, including any accompanying site improvements. [1]
Can I hire someone to remove a tree beside the sidewalk?
Establish whether it stands in the street right-of-way before authorizing work. Burlington’s Trees Team maintains right-of-way trees. Ask the City Arborist about the tree’s status and your concern. [2]
Should I budget for one ash treatment?
The city describes systemic insecticide injections every two years indefinitely. Ask for a tree-specific proposal covering repeat treatment, reassessment, and the conditions under which the arborist would recommend removal. [3]
What should a removal quote say about the stump?
Ask whether the price includes grinding, the agreed depth, chip removal, backfill, and surface restoration. Specify any tasks you intend to handle yourself so you can compare bids on the same basis.
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.