Tree cutting and arborist services in Edmonton

Choose the scope before comparing quotes

Tell the arborist what you need to resolve: a branch over the sidewalk, clearance above a roof, a damaged tree or space for a project. If you are unsure whether removal is necessary, request an assessment and an explanation of the proposed treatment before authorizing cutting.

Request a written scope identifying each tree and the work on it. For removal, specify stump height, grinding depth, chip removal and who will fill the remaining hole. For pruning, ask which branches the contractor intends to remove and what result you should expect.

Ask for evidence of liability insurance, relevant credentials and the proposed crew's experience with your work. Edmonton recommends an ISA-certified arborist for assistance trimming large trees. Ask who holds that credential and who will supervise the job. [3]

Confirm ownership before authorizing work

Check the property line before pruning or removing a tree near the street. Edmonton warns that part of an apparent yard may lie within the road right-of-way, where a tree may be City-owned. The City must coordinate maintenance of its trees. Resolve uncertain ownership before authorizing a private contractor to cut. [3]

Edmonton requires owners to prune trees and shrubs on private property so they do not overhang or block pedestrians or motorists using sidewalks and roads. Describe the obstruction when requesting a quote. You can report concerns about trees overhanging sidewalks or roads through 311. [3]

Arrange power-line coordination before cutting

Identify whether nearby wires run from pole to pole or from a pole to your house or garage. EPCOR assigns homeowners responsibility for trimming trees that interfere with their overhead service line. It offers a free temporary service disconnection through 780-412-4500. Agree with the contractor who will arrange it before setting the cutting date. [1]

For trees near pole-to-pole power lines, EPCOR directs residents to use an arborist trained to trim near power lines and offers assistance to the arborist. EPCOR tells residents to stay at least 7 metres from power lines and contact it before work within that distance or within 1 metre of the home's overhead service line. Discuss the work with EPCOR before the crew begins. [1]

Check equipment access and public-tree protection

Review the route for a lift, grinder or other equipment before booking. Edmonton's Public Tree Permit process generally covers work within 5 metres of a boulevard or open-space tree trunk or within 10 metres of a natural stand boundary, subject to its stated exceptions. The City exempts vehicular access on roadways, driveways, sidewalks and improved trails with paved or granular surfaces. [2]

The City's interactive guide uses the narrower phrase existing pavement when discussing equipment access. Ask Urban Forestry to confirm the requirements if your route falls outside the named paved or granular access exceptions, or if you are unsure whether your route qualifies. Describe the surface and proposed activity, including equipment parking or materials storage, rather than treating all use of the route as vehicular access. [2]

For excavation or major grade changes within the applicable public-tree area, the City requires a Tree Preservation Plan drafted or approved by an accepted professional. An ISA-certified arborist is one accepted designation. Ask the contractor to describe below-ground work so you can confirm the plan requirements with Urban Forestry. [2]

Before work that disturbs the ground, EPCOR directs residents to submit a free locate request through Utility Safety Partners at 1-800-242-3447 and allow two weeks for locating. Assign responsibility for requesting and reviewing locates before stump or root excavation begins. [1]

Compare cleanup and disposal on the same basis

Specify branch chipping, trunk removal, stump debris and final rake-up in the quote. If you want to retain wood or chips, agree on the material, size and location. Ask how the contractor will price additional work and obtain your approval before proceeding.

The Edmonton Waste Management Centre classifies landscaping-company waste as non-residential. It charges CAD 70 per tonne for loose or paper-bagged non-elm yard waste, with a CAD 40 minimum. Commercial elm wood, including chips, costs CAD 102 per tonne with the same minimum. Ask whether the contractor includes hauling and disposal in the total. [4]

Published commercial tree-waste disposal rates at EWMC

Choose the next step for your tree work

Your hiring checklist

1. Identify each tree in photos and describe the requested work.
2. Resolve ownership and permission questions before authorizing cutting.
3. Request relevant credentials, insurance evidence and crew details.
4. Assign utility coordination, locate requests and permit checks.
5. Agree on equipment routes and protection for fences, yards and driveways.
6. Specify stump treatment, retained wood, hauling and cleanup.
7. Get the total price and scope-change approval process in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cutting a tree in my yard require a Public Tree Permit?

Confirm the requirements for your proposed private-tree work with Urban Forestry. Consider the work area and equipment route: Edmonton's process covers work near boulevard or open-space trees and natural stand boundaries, with stated exceptions for activities including certain vehicular access. [2]

Who should handle branches near wires?

EPCOR directs residents to an arborist trained for trimming near pole-to-pole power lines. For vegetation interfering with a pole-to-house service line, EPCOR offers a free temporary disconnection. Contact EPCOR at 780-412-4500 to coordinate the work before cutting begins. [1]

How should the contractor handle elm waste?

Ask the contractor to identify elm waste and explain its disposal arrangements. The City requires separate sorting of elm wood and includes elm chips in its commercial elm-wood fee category. Before agreeing to keep chips, ask the arborist whether retaining them suits your tree's condition. [4]