- Arborist Reports
- Cabling and Bracing
- Commercial Tree Services
- Common Tree Problems
- Construction Arborist Reports
- Corrective Tree Trimming
- Deep Root Fertilization
- Emergency Tree Removal
- General
- Stump Grinding
- Tree Health Care
- Tree Injections
- Tree Planting & Transplanting
- Tree Removal
- Tree Risk Assessments
- Tree Trimming and Pruning
- Winter Tree Care
This is an important question to ask! The simple answer is that a tree should be planted where it will have adequate space to grow as well as sufficient water and nutrients. There are other factors to take into consideration as well. Do you want your tree to offer shade for afternoon gatherings in your back yard? Do you want to enhance privacy for your property? Do you have any underground or overhead utilities that could be affected by tree placement? Local Arborist will help answer all these questions (and more) to ensure successful tree planting and transplanting.
Ensuring that newly planted trees receive the proper amount of water is essential for healthy, steady growth. Newly planted trees should be watered about once per week, depending on the precipitation levels in your area. In general, the soil should be kept moist (but not soaking wet) for at least the first year of growth.
Native trees are more likely to thrive than exotic species, as they easily adapt with the local climate and have a natural resistance to a wide variety of native pests and pathogens. Native tree species also provide habitat to native animal species. Finding trees that naturally grow in Southern Ontario is as simple as a search engine inquiry. However, Local Arborist can recommend the perfect trees to add to your property based on your unique location and needs.
Large trees that require a tree spade to move can usually be successfully transplanted from spring all the way throughout summer, so long as care is taken to ensure the trees receive adequate watering. As with any tree care service, there are a variety of factors that should be considered when planning to transplant a tree – from soil conditions all the way to available space. Local Arborist has extensive experience providing successful tree transplanting services.
The best time for planting new trees depends on a variety of factors, including the type of tree, the soil type where the tree will be planted, as well as the general climate of the area. Generally, tree planting should be done in the early spring (April through June) or early fall (September through October). Local Arborist will work with you to choose appropriate trees for your property and plan for the best time to plant to guarantee success.
Typically, we inject the fertilizer solution around 4-6 inches below the soil surface. We ensure there is enough solution to fully reach the entire root system beneath the span of the canopy. Trees have differing sizes of root systems, though, so where the treatment is applied can vary.
Topical fertilizer application can be effective. However, more often than not, surrounding plant life (such as grass) absorbs the newly added nutrients before they ever reach the root system of trees. Deep Root Fertilization is effective because of its targeted application.
You may notice things like new yellow/white leaves, misshapen or smaller than usual new growth. Die back, leaf shrivelling or early leaf falling can also be signs of nutrient deficiencies.
Ensuring your trees are properly watered and have a good source of nutrients and minerals is one of the easiest ways to maintain tree health. Hiring a tree care specialist, such as Local Arborist, will ensure that these basic needs are being met and that appropriate pest and disease management techniques are utilized.
While undetected illness may leave a tree unable to recover, early detection and application of treatment can save a sick tree. We recommend having your tree inspected by an ISA certified arborist, such as Local Arborist, to determine the best course of action when it comes to sick and dying trees.
There are many factors that contribute to the overall health of a tree. Some things that Local Arborist looks for include: the condition of the main leader/trunk, yearly growth patterns, foliage and needle appearance, signs of insects or infection, and the presence of dead wood.
In urban areas salt is regularly used to maintain streets throughout winter. While it is beneficial in eating away ice and snow, it can be particularly damaging to trees. As vehicles drive by, salty slush and water is often sprayed onto trees the line the streets. The browning needles are a possible indication of salt damage. It is best to contact a certified arborist, such as Local Arborist, to properly diagnose your tree and implement a plan for prevention and restoration.
It is recommended to stop fertilizing trees at least 6 weeks before the first forecasted frost. Fertilizer serves to promote rapid, lush growth in plants. If that new growth does not have enough time to harden off before the cold temperatures hit, it will likely suffer severe damage.
Trees should be watered regularly all the way through fall up until the ground begins to freeze. You can continue to water your trees so long as there is no snow on the ground around your trees and the temperatures remain above 4˚C.
The first 5 to 10 years of a tree’s growth is essential to the establishment of a strong root system that will support the health of the tree over its entire lifespan. Pruning should only be done to branches that are showing signs of disease or damage to promote healthy, robust growth.
Unless you are transplanting a bare-root tree in a particularly windy region or on a significant slope, bracing and staking are generally not necessary. It is important for trees to develop a strong resiliency to the elements and bracing and staking can impede the process. If you do brace and stake, these supports should be moved after one year. When left too long, the tree can begin to grow into them and cause irreparable damage.
Transplanting is an intense process for a tree, and many trees go through what is called “transplant shock”. The best way to avoid overstressing is to transplant during dormant growth seasons, ensure you pick the appropriate location (soil type, drainage, spacing) and to maintain a regular watering schedule. Don’t panic – it can take over a year for a tree to fully adjust to its new location and recover from transplant shock.
It is important to ensure that a tree has sufficient water, especially during the first few formative years of growth. You should be watering around twice per week (unless there is sufficient precipitation in your region) to maintain slightly damp soil around the tree all the time. You will know if you are watering too much if water begins to pool around the tree.
Cabling and bracing are generally effective techniques to extend the life of a damaged or otherwise structurally compromised tree. While the investment can be great, the benefits of saving your tree may be greater.
Cabling and bracing are not a guaranteed remedy for structurally compromised trees. While properly installed cabling and bracing systems are generally expected to extend the life of a tree by up to 15 years, there is still a possibility that failure may occur.
When a tree shows signs of damage, cabling and bracing may be an option to consider but it is not always going to be the perfect solution to your tree’s problems. Sometimes the severity of structural damage is too great, and removal may be the more practical option. There also needs to be a sufficient amount of sound wood for cables and braces to be anchored to. Local Arborist can perform an assessment on your tree and help you decide if investing in cabling and bracing is the most appropriate option for your situation.
At Local Arborist, we are committed to preserving trees and the ecosystems they are part of – including beneficial insects, such as pollinators. We do not use any chemicals that contain neonicotinoids, which have been linked to declining bee populations.
Yes. With Tree Injections, there is no risk of chemical run-off or soil leaching.
Absolutely, yes. One of the advantages of Tree Injections over other pesticide applications is that there is no risk of overspray or human exposure. The chemical goes directly into the tree and no where else, making it perfectly safe for your family to enjoy the beauty of your yard without any worries.
If you look closely, you may be able to see small drill holes in the base of the trunk, but these holes are very minor.
Tree Injection is a relatively quick process, taking around 10 – 20 minutes to complete.
You cannot bring anything that is truly dead back to life. There are steps, however, that can be taken to restore the health of some sick or damaged trees. When the risk of keeping a tree around becomes greater than the benefit of doing so, removal is the best option. If you have a tree that looks dead or dying, it is best to contact a qualified arborist to evaluate the situation. Local Arborist provides Tree Hazard Assessments to determine the likelihood (and possible consequences) of tree failure.
Every living thing needs food, water, and air – trees are no exception. Investing in quality tree care services ensures the healthiest, most vibrant trees. Local Arborist provides tree trimming, tree pruning, disease and pest management, deep root fertilization and many other services to help your trees thrive.
The most common signs of disease include leaf loss (during growing seasons), leaf discoloration, dead or dying branches, holes or cracks in the trunk, fungal growth, and many more. If you notice any of these symptoms you should contact an arborist for an official diagnosis and remediation plan. Local Arborist has extensive experience dealing with diseased trees.
While we typically recommend saving pruning and trimming for a couple years after a tree has been planted, sometimes Corrective Tree Trimming needs to be completed. If there are dead, dying, or diseased branches they should be removed immediately. Additionally, it is easier to correct codominant stem issues early on in a tree’s life cycle rather than waiting until it is fully established. This early intervention prevents future splitting and even complete tree failure.
Trimming and pruning trees on private property does not require a permit. If you are unsure about Toronto Tree Bylaws, make sure to contact Local Arborist. As a certified ISA company, we know the permitting requirements for Toronto and the GTA well.
Tree topping is never recommended as it can cause severe, irreparable damage to a tree. Corrective Tree Trimming can be done instead to safely reduce the size of the tree’s crown while maintaining the health and structural stability of a tree.
There are many distinct factors that are taken into consideration when determining the risk factor of a tree. The history, appearance (canopy density, leaf coloring, bark condition etc.), species, and location of a tree are all important to note. These aspects all play a part in determining the likelihood of failure and what the consequences of a failure would be.
There are two types of arborists – working and consulting. Typically speaking, consulting arborists are the ones who prepare tree reports and risk assessments. Local Arborist is proud to offer both working and consulting arborist services, for all you tree care needs.
While there are instances such as commercial projects or tree removal permit applications that require the completion of an Arborist Report, Tree Risk Assessments do not always necessitate a full Arborist Report.
We can absolutely send a team immediately when it comes to emergency tree services, such as emergency tree removal – especially if significant damage and risk to human life are imminent.
We have relationships with many crane services throughout the city that can come with very little notice. Our arborists are trained to remove trees using crane assistance.
Storms can be incredibly damaging to trees, especially if there are preexisting weak spots. Such damage is likely to leave large and unsightly wounds. In some cases, the damage may be severe enough to warrant immediate action, such as tree removal or corrective tree trimming. Other times, the tree may still be structurally sound. These non-urgent damages (i.e. minor cracks in limb unions) do, however, leave the tree extremely susceptible to future decay and disease. Tree owners and managers are advised to seek the guidance of a reputable tree specialist, such as Local Arborist, who can assess the stability of a tree after a storm and recommend any remedial work. Keep in mind that protected trees often require additional permitting to perform non-urgent tree care services.
If you have a protected tree that suffers storm damage on your property, you can arrange any tree work necessary to make it safe again. The work must be the minimum required to make it safe and any additional work requires that you submit an application. You must inform any hired arborist, at the first opportunity, of any works that have been carried out for each protected tree.
If a protected tree has been blown down in the storm or has been damaged in such a way that, in the interests of safety, it should be felled, then you may be required to replace it during the next planting season.
It is important to remember that it is your responsibility as a property owner to prove that any work you have carried out on a protected tree was essential to make the tree safe. We recommend keeping a detailed photographic record of storm damage to protected trees. Always contact an ISA certified arborist such as Local Arborist prior to felling or removing any protected tree.
Each case is assessed individually, as some cases require the use of extra time and additional vehicles or equipment. As general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay around $200-300 per hour for Emergency Tree Services. Please keep in mind that Local Arborist does our best to be respectful of your budget, which is why we have become one of the fastest and most efficient tree service companies in Toronto.
You can contact Local Arborist’s Customer Service team by dialing +1 (416) 907-2107 any time of day. Someone from our team is always available to discuss dangerous tree situations.
While this question seems simple, the real answer is a bit more nuanced. If a neighbor’s tree is showing signs of damage, rot, or other factors which might increase its odds of falling, they are responsible for removing the tree and potentially damage which was caused to your property. If the tree had shown no signs of damage and came down because of a particularly bad storm and caused damage to your property, your homeowners insurance will provide coverage according to your policy limits. If a neighbor’s healthy tree falls into your yard and doesn’t cause any damage, we hate to say it but you will be on the hook for cleaning and removing the tree.
If you have a dangerous tree, you want to make sure you get it removed before anything bad happens. The most common signs of a dangerous tree are dead or detached branches, rotten wood along the trunk and cracks or splits in the trunk. Dangerous trees also often have bark abnormalities with deep cracks or holes. If you suspect your tree is dangerous and needs to be removed, contact us today, we can help.
If the tree on your property poses an immediate risk to the property surrounding it or people nearby, you can apply for something called an exemption permit. Exemption permits for tree removal are usually granted for dead trees, trees that are imminently hazardous, or trees with advanced disease (where tree failure is inevitable). Exemption permits do not require Arborist Reports, like some other permit applications require.
To be safe and avoid fines, it is a good idea to have a certified arborist assess the situation and determine the safest and best way of proceeding.
Protected trees required a slightly more nuanced approach when it comes to emergency tree removal. Work that is required to make the tree safe, such as emergency tree removal because of severe damage, is necessary. However, all work done on a protected tree should be adequately documented with photographic evidence. If you have a protected tree requiring attention, it is essential to let your arborist know. At Local Arborist, we will ensure that every step taken when dealing with a protected tree is within the legal limits.
Cranes are often utilized for extremely large trees that required a more specialized approach for removal. We have access to a wide variety of equipment to complete every emergency tree removal safely and efficiently.
The answer to this question is not always straightforward. If there was noticeable, pre-existing damage to the tree that was neglected, the property owner (where the tree came from) would be responsible for removal costs and for any damages caused to your property. However, if the damage occurred because of an unforeseeable event, such as a violent storm, your insurance company will likely deal with the fall out. Additionally, if a healthy tree falls but no damage occurs, you more than likely will be responsible for removal costs on your own property.
While permits are not required for emergencies that pose a serious risk to life or property, it is always recommended to contact an ISA certified arborist for immediate assessment of the situation. Local Arborist has trained staff on board that will determine the appropriate course of action to ensure you are well within the legal limits to perform emergency tree removal.
No. An arborist report is a detailed report that lists the location and condition of all existing trees on a proposed construction site. It provides a comprehensive tree protection and retention plan, taking care to recommend tree alteration and removal services as required. Municipal bylaws will only accept an ISA certified Construction Arborist Report when applying for tree removal permits.
There is no set time frame, though anything over a year is likely no longer accurate. Time truly is of the essence when it comes to construction projects.
No, an Arborist Report does not guarantee approval for tree removal. Arborist Reports take tree health, tree condition, and the tree’s impact on the environment all into consideration when making recommendations for construction sites. There needs to be adequate measures put into place to ensure that reasonable environmental preservation and retention is achieved.
While landscapers are experts at their craft, they do not have the same specified training and accreditation that ISA arborists do. With Local Arborist, you can rest assured that you are receiving only the highest quality, professional tree care services that are backed by industry standards and safeguards.
Yes, we recommend that someone remains on location while we assess your property and gather details for a commercial tree service estimate.
Yes, we do offer lot clearing services for both residential and commercial properties. We can cut and remove trees and shrubs to prepare your lot for a new building project.
Depending on where you live, the tree bylaws can vary greatly from other municipalities. In Toronto, permits are often required for tree trimming or tree removal. Arborist Reports must be submitted with your permit application. Local Arborist is familiar with the nuances of tree bylaws and will help you meet all the legal requirements for your specific tree care project.
An Arborist Report provides more details about a tree (or group of trees) and its relationship with the immediate environment than a Tree Risk Assessment does. A Tree Risk Assessment essentially determines the likelihood of a failure to thrive, whereas an Arborist Report notes the overall condition of a tree as well as provides suggestions for future maintenance, retention, or even replacement. Arborist Reports are also regulated by ISA standards and requirements, making them essential aspects of legal processes such land development or construction.
Only ISA certified arborists hold the qualifications to prepare and finalize an official Arborist Report. The Local Arborist team is proud to hold good standing with the ISA, offering only approved tree care services and Arborist Reports for our clients.
The hole where a stump was located after stump grinding is first filled back with wood chips. To keep your costs down, we typically leave the wood chips created from stump grinding on your property as they can be used in many ways – from landscaping mulch to compost material.
The maximum depth the equipment reaches when performing stump grinding services is 2 feet, with 10-12 inches being the average. Grinding to the maximum depths is only required if a new tree is going to be planted in the exact same spot.
Depending on the species of tree, it is possible for regrowth to occur if there is still viability in the root system. Stump grinding and removal is the best way to ensure that regrowth will not occur.
Yes, all underground utilities need to be located. Local Arborist takes care of this important step prior to beginning any work, so you do not need to worry. You are responsible, however, to clearly indicate any in-ground sprinkler or irrigation systems.
There are different times of year that are better suited for trimming and pruning than others based on what type of tree you are dealing with. Evergreen trees should generally be pruned in the fall, where deciduous trees like late winter and early spring pruning.
Local Arborist recommends pruning only be done on more established trees. Pruning trees that are less than 3 years old can stunt growth.
If done correctly, no! In fact, proper tree trimming and pruning improves the overall strength and stability of trees and shrubbery. It is an important factor in the maintenance of good tree health.
Trimming and pruning trees on private property does not require a permit. If you are unsure about Toronto Tree Bylaws, make sure to contact Local Arborist. As a certified ISA company, we know the permitting requirements for Toronto and the GTA well.
While tree topping seems like a quick, simple solution to overgrown trees, it can be a potentially dangerous practice that can cause significant and permanent damage to the tree itself and the property around it. A better, more sustainable option is called crown reduction, which can be completed to decrease the overall crown size of a tree without compromising the overall health or stability of the tree. The general rule of thumb is that no more than 30% of the canopy should be removed .
Local Arborist recycles all tree removal wood by-products. We typically mulch all branches with our wood-chipper and remove larger logs to be recycled. You do have the option to keep the mulch on your property for landscaping as well as the logs for firewood. We also offer a discount to any customer that chooses to keep the wood themselves.
Tree removal can be done any time of year, though it tends to be easier to assess tree health during dormant stages (typically November through March). It is important, however, to seek assistance immediately if you have a problem tree that you think might pose a significant risk to life or property. Addressing problem trees before damage is caused is always the best course of action.
As mentioned before, there are several common signs that a tree may need to be removed. Severe leaning in one direction, fungus, growths, a hollowed-out trunk, or large sections of dead limbs and branches are all indications of poor tree health. Trees may also need to be removed if they are causing an obstruction or posing a risk, such as growing too close to your home or a powerline. Consulting an ISA certified arborist is the best way to determine what the best course of action is for problem trees on your property.
Local Arborist is a fully ISA license and certified tree care company. All our services are regulated and approved by ISA standards, so you can rest assured that you will receive professional workmanship from our team. Additionally, Local Arborist is proud to offer tree removal services that are fully protected with comprehensive liability insurance (up to $5,000,000), WCB coverage, and WSIB certification.
Yes, permits are required for the removal of any viable tree on private property that has a trunk with a diameter greater than 30 cm as well as for any city owned trees. Permitting requirements for private properties are nullified, however, if the tree is dead, diseased, or poses a risk to life or property. Local Arborist is familiar with Toronto Tree Bylaws. We offer complimentary consultations for tree removal services and can confidently determine which permits, if any, are necessary for your specific case.
The actual process of tree removal does not take a long time. Once we are through with the site assessment and have a game plan in play, a tree generally can be safely removed all in a day’s work. We typically work on a first-come-first-serve basis. It is important to note, however, that we do sometimes have to triage tree removal services. If there is an emergency tree removal service, your project may be pushed back in the name of safety. That being said, you can expect to have your tree removal service completed between 10 and 30 days from your initial request being submitted.
Yes, Local Arborist is proud to offer complimentary estimates for all standard tree care services, including tree removal, trimming, deep root fertilization, trunk injections, and many others. There are some instances where professional Arboricultural Consulting is required and a fee is charge, such as complete construction arborist reports or insurance claim evaluations. In these specific cases, a fee may be collected.
Our certified arborists believe that proactive tree care and maintenance is the best way to prevent disease and damage from pests. Local Arborist can provide you with a comprehensive Arborist Report and Tree Risk Assessment for the trees on your property as well as work with you to develop a tree care and maintenance schedule to promote healthy tree growth now and into the future.
It is best to allow an ISA certified arborist to evaluate your specific situation and determine if tree removal is the best course of action for your problem tree. While there are many reasons for complete tree removal, there may be other options to preserve the vitality of your tree and maintain a beautiful green space within your property. Local Arborist provides on-site consultation for all tree care services.
There are several factors to consider when estimating the cost of complete tree removal. The size of tree, location on property, and overall risk level all need to be acknowledged. Local Arborist will work with you to determine the safest, most affordable option for you.
While tree topping is a seemingly convenient fix for trees that have gotten too big or too tall, it is a potentially dangerous practice. The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) condemns tree topping and deems it to be an unsafe practice. Tree topping has been proven to be harmful to trees as it removes most of the trees’ food source, leaves limbs exposed and susceptible to disease and decay, and encourages rapid and weak regrowth. Proper pruning and trimming are the more favorable alternatives. Local Arborist provides expert tree pruning and trimming services.
Yes, all Local Arborist tree care services are fully protected with comprehensive liability insurance ($5,000,000), WCB coverage, and WSIB certification.
Yes, Local Arborist is a fully ISA licensed and certified company. We provide ISA regulated and approved arborist reports and tree risk assessments. You can rest assured that you are receiving expert tree care service with Local Arborist.
Permits are required for the removal or major trimming of any viable tree on private property that has a trunk greater than 30 cm in diameter. If the tree in question is no longer viable, that is it is dead, diseased or poses a significant risk to life or property, it is exempt from permitting requirements. All city owned trees also require permitting for removal or alteration. We recommend contacting an ISA Certified Arborist company if you are unsure about the permitting requirements for your specific situation or to receive additional clarification regarding the Toronto Tree Bylaws. Local Arborist offers complimentary consultations and estimates for all tree care services.
(416) 907-2107
info@localarborist.ca
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