Homeowner guide · Prices checked September 2026
Tree service specializations, explained
What each tree service involves, when you might need it, and what it typically costs in Ontario. Every company in the directory lists up to six of these as its specializations.
Removal
- Tree removal: smaller treesCutting down a small or medium tree and cleaning up afterward.Typical cost $300–$800 per tree
- Tree removal: larger treesTaking down a large tree, usually piece by piece with ropes, a bucket truck or a crane.Typical cost $800–$3,000 per tree
- Crane servicesUsing a crane to lift sections of a large tree out safely, usually over a house or other building.Typical cost Usually $2,000–$5,000+ for a crane-assisted removal
Pruning
- Tree pruning: smaller treesTrimming branches to keep a small or medium tree healthy, safe and well shaped.Typical cost $150–$500 per tree
- Tree pruning: larger treesClimbing or bucket-truck work to trim, thin or reduce a large tree's canopy.Typical cost $400–$1,500 per tree
- Hydro line clearanceTrimming trees away from power lines, done by crews trained and approved for work near live wires.Typical cost Free for the utility's main lines; about $250–$600 per tree for your own service wire
Stumps
Planting
- Tree planting: smaller treesSupplying and planting young trees and shrubs, the right species in the right spot.Typical cost $150–$500 per tree, supplied and planted
- Tree planting: larger treesPlanting bigger nursery stock, often balled-and-burlapped trees that need equipment to move.Typical cost About $500–$1,500 per tree, supplied and planted
Tree health and support
- Cabling and bracingInstalling cables or rods to support weak branches or a split trunk so a valuable tree can be kept.Typical cost $300–$600 for a typical single-cable job
- FertilizationFeeding a tree's roots directly with nutrients, usually injected into the soil, to support growth and help it recover from stress.Typical cost $200–$500 per tree
- Pest and disease treatmentDiagnosing and treating insects and diseases, like emerald ash borer, spongy moth and fungal problems.Typical cost About $100–$400 per treatment for a typical ash injection
- Air excavation and root healthUsing compressed air to expose and treat roots without damaging them.Typical cost Quoted per job; often several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars
Safety and emergencies
- Tree risk assessmentAn arborist's professional judgment on how likely a tree is to fail, and what it could hit if it does.Typical cost $100–$250 for a basic inspection; roughly $300–$600 for a written report
- 24/7 emergency serviceUrgent help after a storm, when a tree or large limb has fallen or is about to.Typical cost $500–$3,000+ per emergency job
Reports, permits and disputes
- Arborist reportsA written report from an arborist about a tree's condition, often required for a city tree permit.Typical cost $250–$800 per report
- Tree protection plansA plan to keep trees alive during construction, often required before a building permit is issued.Typical cost From about $550 per project
- Legal assistanceArborist help with tree disputes: neighbour disagreements, damage claims, tree valuation and court testimony.Typical cost Quoted case by case, usually by the hour
Land and site work
Prices are typical Ontario ranges before 13% HST, gathered from published price guides and company price pages in September 2026. They’re a guide, not a quote. Always get written quotes.