Local service guide
Tree cutting and arborist services in Winnipeg
Tree cutting in Winnipeg starts with checking who owns the tree, whether it is an elm, and how close it stands to power lines. For pruning, ask the contractor to document the arborist’s certification or applicable exemption. For City-owned boulevard or park trees, use a pre-approved contractor and obtain City approval before work starts. Within 3 m of a power line, Manitoba Hydro says only a qualified utility arborist should trim or remove trees. Compare written quotes that describe the work, stump treatment and cleanup before booking. [1] [3] [4] [5]
Choose the work before comparing contractors
Describe the problem you want to solve: a branch over the roof, clearance for a project, a damaged tree or a stump in the lawn. Ask the contractor to explain whether they recommend pruning, treatment or removal and why. If you want to retain the tree, request an assessment before agreeing to removal.
Give each bidder the same scope. Identify the tree in photos and during the site visit. Ask them to distinguish removing selected branches from removing the entire tree, and specify whether they will leave logs, haul debris, grind the stump or restore the disturbed ground. Winnipeg recommends obtaining estimates from three qualified contractors and asking about the total price, timing and cleanup. [1]
Check the person doing the arborist work
For arborist work, Manitoba’s regulation requires valid International Society of Arboriculture certification unless an exception applies. The Act also recognizes transitional eligibility for certain former licence holders and people who completed the Manitoba training course before July 1, 2019. Ask the contractor to identify the responsible arborist and show the credential or evidence supporting their exemption. [4] [5]
The Act exempts a person whose services consist only of cutting down and removing an entire tree from its certification requirement. The regulation includes other exceptions, including specified utility work. These distinctions matter when comparing a removal quote with a pruning quote. For work within 3 m of electrical lines, follow Manitoba Hydro’s instruction to hire a qualified utility arborist. [3] [4] [5]
Ask for current liability insurance documentation, workers’ compensation information and references for similar work. For City-owned trees, Winnipeg’s pre-qualified contractors have submitted provincial certification, insurance, Workers Compensation and safety-program documentation. If assistants perform arboriculture under the regulation’s supervision exception, the certified arborist must remain physically present and supervise them directly. [1] [5]
Resolve electrical hazards before booking
Keep yourself and your equipment at least 3 m from power lines. Manitoba Hydro tells homeowners not to cut or prune trees within that distance. If lines are sparking or burning, stay at least 10 m away and call 911. Contact Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376 for tree or vegetation hazards involving its electrical equipment. [3]
For a tree safety assessment, Hydro asks for two photos: one showing the line or pole in the vegetation, and one showing the whole tree, ground, wires, poles and nearby buildings. Take photographs from a safe location. If the work is your responsibility, you or your qualified arborist can request a temporary electricity disconnect. Ask who will arrange it before agreeing to a cutting date. [3]
Put elm handling in the written scope
Manitoba prohibits elm pruning between April 1 and July 31 unless a specified exception applies, such as a safety hazard, obstruction of traffic or traffic signs, therapeutic pest treatment, or authorization from the director. October falls outside that restricted period. Ask the arborist to choose the pruning date for your tree rather than treating the legal calendar as a recommendation for its condition. [2]
For elm removal, require the contractor to state how they will treat the stump. The regulation permits debarking to the soil line, grinding or removing it at least 10 cm below the soil line, or another method specified by the director. Transporting elm wood with bark intact requires an elm transportation permit, apart from the stated nursery-stock exception. Ask who will obtain the permit and where the contractor will take the wood. [2]
Do not agree to keep untreated elm logs for firewood. Manitoba permits storage only after the prescribed debarking, treatment or chipping, or with a storage permit. If an official forest threat notice is attached to the tree, give the contractor a copy before scheduling: the Act prohibits pruning or cutting until after the notice’s specified date unless an inspector or officer authorizes it. [2] [4]
Compare complete quotes and disposal plans
Ask each contractor to itemize cutting, equipment, stump work, hauling, disposal and ground repairs, and show taxes and exclusions. Confirm whether the quoted total includes utility coordination and City approval work where applicable. Agree how the contractor will obtain your approval for changes after the site visit.
Get site-specific quotes for pruning or removal; the disposal fees below cover only commercial tipping charges. Brady Road publishes wood-waste fees of CAD 65 per tonne and leaf-and-yard-waste fees of CAD 66 per tonne, subject to a CAD 25 minimum per load. Those fees do not establish a contractor’s hauling charge or total job price. [6]
Ask the contractor to name the disposal destination and confirm the applicable handling rules for the species. At Brady Road, the City classifies branches four inches or less in diameter as leaf and yard waste and larger branches as wood waste. Only commercial customers can use the landfill; residents go to the Brady 4R Winnipeg Depot. Confirm material acceptance before arranging your own drop-off. [6]
Brady Road commercial tree-waste tipping fees
Local details that affect your job
Boulevard work requires a separate approval process
For City-owned boulevard and park trees, choose a contractor from Winnipeg’s pre-approved list, complete the contractor agreement with the required signatures, and submit it to 311 or mail it to Urban Forestry at 1539 Waverley Street. The City says it will contact you within 10 working days about approval and next steps. Neither you nor the contractor may start before approval. Contact 311 if ownership is uncertain before authorizing work. [1]
Public-tree pruning and removal have limits
Winnipeg will not approve topping City-owned trees. The City also says it removes healthy public trees only when circumstances are serious enough to warrant removal. Report damaged or declining public trees to 311, or apply through a pre-qualified contractor for work at your expense. Ask about approval before making a removal date part of a renovation schedule. [1]
Elm rules affect stump and hauling choices
Manitoba’s elm rules apply to jobs here even when the tree stands in your private yard. Include a compliant stump-treatment method and the required transport arrangements in the removal quote. Ask the contractor to explain how any elm wood you retain will meet the storage rules before accepting logs for firewood. [2]
Choose the right next step
| Situation | Next step | Confirm before work |
|---|---|---|
| City-owned boulevard or park tree | Contact 311 or use the City’s pre-approved contractor process | Signed agreement and City approval |
| Private tree needing pruning | Ask for the responsible arborist’s credential or applicable exemption | Named arborist and supervision arrangements |
| Tree within 3 m of a power line | Hire a qualified utility arborist; request Hydro assessment where needed | Electrical coordination and responsibility |
| Elm removal | Specify stump treatment and wood handling | Compliant stump method and elm transport permit where required |
| Tree carrying a forest threat notice | Read the notice and contact the responsible inspector or officer | Restrictions and any authorization before cutting |
Your hiring checklist
- Photograph the whole tree, the specific problem and the access route from a safe location.
- Confirm ownership before authorizing work near the boulevard or a property boundary.
- Ask the bidder to identify the species and explain the proposed pruning or removal scope.
- Request the responsible arborist’s credential or evidence of the applicable exemption, plus insurance documentation.
- Show the contractor nearby wires, buildings, fences and any official tree notice.
- Compare written totals that specify stump work, hauling, disposal, cleanup and ground repairs.
- Agree who will arrange approvals and utility coordination before confirming the work date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire someone to remove a boulevard tree?
You may apply to pay for work on a City-owned tree through a pre-approved contractor. Complete the contractor agreement and wait for City approval before work begins. Winnipeg limits removal of healthy public trees to circumstances serious enough to warrant it. [1]
Does Manitoba require arborist certification?
Yes, subject to exceptions and transitional provisions. The regulation generally requires valid ISA certification for arborist work. The Act provides an exception for services limited to cutting down and removing an entire tree. Ask which credential or exemption covers your proposed work. [4] [5]
Can I prune an elm in October?
October falls outside Manitoba’s April 1 through July 31 elm-pruning restriction. Have the arborist assess the appropriate work and timing. City-owned trees still require City approval, and an official forest threat notice may restrict cutting or pruning. [1] [2] [4]
Will Manitoba Hydro clean up branches after emergency cutting?
Hydro says its crews do not clean up branches and debris after emergency tree cutting because they prioritize restoring power safely. Once the electrical hazard has been resolved, arrange cleanup and confirm any species-specific wood handling requirements. [2] [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.