To hire a certified arborist in Toronto, find two or three companies through ISA’s Find an Arborist search or local referrals, verify each credential, and compare written, itemised quotes that also confirm liability insurance, WSIB coverage and who handles the permit. If the tree is 30 cm or more in diameter, settle the Chapter 813 permit before any cutting starts.
This guide is about the hiring process. If you want to understand the credential itself, including how ISA Certified Arborist differs from TRAQ and Ontario’s trade certification, read our ISA Certified Arborist guide for Toronto.
Step 1: Work Out What You Need
“Arborist” and “tree removal crew” overlap, but they answer different questions. Deciding which you need first will make your calls shorter and your quotes comparable.
| Your situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| You already know the tree must come down and it is under 30 cm in diameter | A removal crew with insurance and a certified arborist overseeing the work |
| The tree is 30 cm or more in diameter | A Chapter 813 permit, which includes an arborist report, and then a removal crew |
| You are unsure whether the tree is dangerous, or an insurer or neighbour disputes it | A written arborist assessment before any decision |
| A tree is damaged after a storm and threatens a structure | An emergency crew first, with a written risk report for the insurer |
| You are building, renovating or selling | An arborist report documenting tree condition |
Our pages on arborist reports and hazardous tree removal explain each path.
Step 2: Where to Find Certified Arborists
- ISA’s Find an Arborist tool. Linked from the For the Public page of the International Society of Arboriculture, it lets you locate an arborist or verify a credential.
- ISA Ontario. The provincial chapter, isaontario.com, explains how certification and recertification work for Ontario candidates.
- Direct company searches. Look for firms that name their credentialed arborists and show their insurance details on the website.
- Neighbours and property managers. Ask who handled a recent permit-required job.
Searching “licensed arborist” can be misleading, because Ontario does not require arborists to be licensed. Skilled Trades Ontario classes the Arborist trade as non-compulsory, and ISA states that its certifications do not represent licensure. See the credential guide for the verification steps.
Step 3: Questions to Ask Every Company
- Who is the credentialed arborist, what is the exact credential, and will that person visit the property?
- Can you send proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage before work begins?
- Will the quote be written and itemised?
- Who files the permit if the tree is protected, and how long does it take?
- What is the removal method (climbing, sectional felling, crane), and why?
- Is stump grinding, debris haul-away and cleanup included, or priced separately?
- Is a deposit required, and what is the cancellation policy?
- What happens if the permit is refused or the scope changes once the crew is on site?
What a Written Quote Should Contain
A quote that fits on a sticky note is a risk. A usable quote includes:
- the company name, address, phone and insurance details;
- each tree identified by species, location on the property and approximate size;
- the exact work (removal, pruning, stump grinding) with a separate price for each item;
- access equipment such as a crane, with its cost disclosed up front;
- what is included: debris haul-away, wood left on site, cleanup;
- who is responsible for the permit and for its cost;
- a start date or window, payment terms and any after-hours charges.
Vague totals such as “tree gone, one price” make it impossible to compare firms or to challenge a surprise charge later.
Insurance and WSIB: What to Check
Credentials show knowledge. Insurance protects you if something goes wrong. Ask for two documents:
- A certificate of liability insurance naming the company, with a policy that is current. Ask for it to be sent by the insurer or broker, not retyped by the company.
- Proof of WSIB coverage for the workers who will be on your property. Ask for it in writing rather than accepting a verbal assurance.
For reference, we carry $5,000,000 in general liability insurance, our crew is WSIB-covered, and certificates are available on request before work begins.
Permits Under Toronto Chapter 813
Toronto’s private tree protection by-law, Municipal Code Chapter 813, requires a permit before a tree with a trunk diameter of 30 cm (about 12 inches) or more is injured or removed. Fines for unpermitted removal range from $500 to $100,000 per tree.
The City measures diameter 1.4 metres above ground. For a tree with several stems, one stem reaching 30 cm is enough to protect the whole tree. The City’s application for removal asks for an arborist report describing the tree’s species, size, condition and structure, along with other documents. The steps are on the City’s How to Apply for a Tree or Ravine Permit page.
Agree in writing who is preparing the application. We handle full Chapter 813 permits, including the arborist supporting letter, and permit processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Our permit guide covers the process.
Red Flags
- Cash-only demands, or a large deposit before any permit exists.
- No written quote, or a quote without insurance or WSIB details.
- A claim to be “certified” with no name or credential you can verify.
- Offers to skip the permit on a tree that is 30 cm or more. Fines run from $500 to $100,000 per tree.
- Pressure to decide on the spot, especially after a storm.
- Recommending tree topping. Proper pruning follows ANSI A300 standards.
- Reluctance to name who will assess the tree or supervise the crew.
What Hiring Costs
There are two separate costs: the work itself, and any written assessment. Our removal pricing by tree height, in CAD:
| Tree size | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $300–$500 |
| Medium (30–50 ft) | $500–$900 |
| Large (50–70 ft) | $900–$1,800 |
| Very large (70 ft+) | $1,800–$3,500+ |
- Stump grinding: $150–$250 when added to a removal, or $200–$400 on its own.
- Crane access: $300–$600, disclosed up front.
- Arborist reports: a separate fee applies. We quote it after hearing what the report is for, such as a permit, an insurer or a sale.
Final cost depends on height, trunk diameter, access and hazard level. When you compare quotes, compare scope line by line rather than totals. A lower total that leaves out cleanup, stump work or the permit is usually not lower. Our quotes are free, written, itemised and without obligation. For wider cost context, see the Toronto tree removal guide.
Get a Written Quote
Send us the address, a few photos and the approximate trunk diameter through the contact page, or call 647-558-1366. Our lead arborists hold ISA certification, and our company details are on the facts page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hire a certified arborist in Toronto?
Find two or three companies through ISA’s Find an Arborist search or referrals, verify each credential, and request written itemised quotes. Confirm liability insurance, WSIB coverage and who handles any Chapter 813 permit before you agree to work.
Does Toronto require arborists to be licensed?
No. Ontario’s Arborist trade is non-compulsory, and ISA states that its certifications do not represent licensure. That is why you should verify credentials and insurance yourself rather than rely on the word licensed.
When do I need an arborist report instead of a removal crew?
You need an arborist report when the tree is 30 cm or more in diameter and requires a permit, when you are unsure whether a tree is hazardous, when an insurer asks for documentation, or when construction or a property sale is involved. A crew alone is enough for a smaller tree you already know must come down.
What should be in a written tree removal quote?
The quote should name the company and its insurance, identify each tree, list each task with its own price, disclose any crane charge, say what cleanup and debris removal are included, state who handles the permit, and give a start window and payment terms.
How much does it cost to hire a tree company with certified arborists?
Our removal pricing runs from $300–$500 for a small tree under 30 ft to $1,800–$3,500+ for a very large tree over 70 ft. Stump grinding adds $150–$250 with a removal, and crane access is $300–$600. Arborist reports carry a separate fee.
Who is responsible for the permit if my tree is 30 cm or larger?
Confirm this in writing before work starts. We handle Chapter 813 permits, including the arborist supporting letter, with typical processing of 5 to 10 business days. Removing a protected tree without a permit can bring fines of $500 to $100,000 per tree.