Local service guide
Tree Cutting in Fredericton: Arborist Hiring Guide
Arrange Tree Cutting in Fredericton by choosing the right first contact: the City for a possible municipal tree, NB Power for a qualifying electrical concern, or an arborist for private tree assessment. Then compare site-specific written quotes for the work you want. Resolve utility coordination before setting the crew's start date. [1] [2]
Resolve municipal responsibility before booking
Contact Service Fredericton at 506-460-2020 if you cannot confirm ownership of a tree beside public land. The City manages trees on its property, including parks, river banks and trails. Its Tree Management By-law also addresses private trees affecting municipal operations. A tree's position beside your lawn does not establish who can authorize work. [1]
Describe the location, your concern and the proposed pruning or removal. Ask whether the City needs to assess the tree or authorize the work. The City's overview describes exemptions involving safety hazards, disease, injurious insects and interference with utilities or infrastructure. Ask how those provisions apply to your tree before relying on an exemption. [1]
Coordinate trees near wires with NB Power
Contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272 or use its tree maintenance request form if a tree appears to meet its criteria. For primary lines, NB Power lists dead, dying or diseased trees, trees leaning toward the lines, and trees touching or close to bare-wire primary lines. Around secondary lines and the house-to-pole service loop, it identifies trees pushing a line from its normal path. [2]
Ask NB Power to assess the electrical concern. The utility limits its tree work to potential electrical safety issues and trees affecting, or potentially affecting, power or communication lines. For work outside its criteria, its page directs customers to approved contractors. Do not use the appearance of a wire to decide that cutting can proceed. [2]
NB Power states that a representative will visit within 30 business days after receiving a completed request. After assessment, the representative assigns completion within five, 30 or 90 working days from the visit. Ask your arborist how the utility's assessment and assignment affect the proposed work sequence. [2]
Compare arborists on a defined job
Show each arborist the same trees and explain your goal: clearance above a roof, concern about damaged limbs, or removal of a particular tree. Ask them to explain their recommendation and identify the branches or trees involved. For an inspection, request written findings and next steps. Avoid accepting an undefined instruction such as trim everything back.
Ask who will perform the work and what tree-care credentials they hold. Request current proof of liability insurance and applicable workers' compensation coverage. Describe narrow gates, fences, roof overhangs and the equipment route. Ask how the crew will protect your lawn and driveway, and whether it needs access through a neighbour's property.
Compare site-specific written quotes with separate amounts for cutting, hauling and stump work. For grinding, agree on depth, chip removal, backfill and the finished surface. Ask whether the total includes tax, equipment charges and return visits. Record payment terms and the process for approving extra work before accepting the quote.
Choose a disposal route that accepts the material
For eligible residential curbside collection, the City requires branches no larger than 5 cm in diameter and 1.5 m in length, tied in small bundles with natural twine. Keep brush separate from other yard waste. Use these limits to decide whether you can prepare the material yourself or need contractor hauling. [3]
The Municipal Soil Management Facility on Beek Court accepts small brush and branches smaller than 8 cm in diameter. It excludes logs, stumps and branches from diseased ash or elm trees. Ask your contractor to name the destination for material the facility does not accept. [3]
For ash infested with emerald ash borer, the City recommends hiring a certified tree care company. Its guidance says only debarked or chipped wood should leave the site because transporting infested wood can spread the pest. Raise suspected infestation during the assessment so the contractor can specify a handling plan. [3]
NB Power tree-work completion assignments after assessment
Local details that affect your job
Remaining 2026 collection weeks
As of October 14, the City's remaining published yard waste collection weeks for 2026 are October 26-30 and November 16-20. Set prepared material out by 7:00 a.m. on your regular garbage collection day within those weeks. The City does not collect yard waste left curbside outside the pickup week. Arrange storage or hauling if your work date falls between collections. [3]
Utility maintenance leaves material on site
NB Power leaves all wood and debris from requested tree maintenance with the customer. If you want someone to remove it, arrange that task and its price before the utility visit. Tell the contractor whether you want to retain usable wood or chips. [2]
Choose your first contact
| Situation | First step | Question to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Possible municipal tree | Contact Service Fredericton | Who manages the tree, and what authorization applies? |
| Tree leaning toward a primary line or touching or close to bare-wire primary lines | Request NB Power assessment | What utility work or coordination is needed? |
| Tree pushing a secondary line or service loop from its normal path | Request NB Power assessment | How will the assessment affect private work? |
| Private tree with unclear treatment needs | Arrange an arborist assessment | Should you prune, monitor or remove it? |
| Logs, stumps or diseased ash or elm branches | Ask the contractor for a disposal plan | Where will material excluded by the City facility go? |
Your hiring checklist
- Photograph the whole tree, the concern and the access route from a safe position.
- Describe your goal and ask the arborist to explain the recommended treatment.
- Request credentials, insurance documents and applicable workers' compensation coverage.
- Mark the agreed trees with the contractor and confirm the work in writing.
- Agree on equipment access, surface protection and any neighbour access.
- Confirm payment terms, approval of extra work and weather rescheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need City permission to remove a private tree?
The City's overview addresses municipal trees and private trees affecting municipal operations. It does not state a universal permit requirement for private removals. Ask the City about your proposed work if ownership, infrastructure impact or authorization remains unclear. [1]
Will NB Power remove any tree near my house?
NB Power limits its work to qualifying electrical safety concerns and trees affecting, or potentially affecting, power or communication lines. Proximity to your house alone is not one of its stated criteria. [2]
Does curbside yard waste collection cover my property?
The City lists single and double housing units, individual townhouses, condominiums and apartment buildings with four or fewer units as eligible. The collection truck must be able to access the property. Confirm your arrangement before relying on curbside disposal. [3]
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.