Emergency Tree
Removal in Toronto

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.