Finding a Reliable Arborist
Hiring a professional arborist company is essential to ensure the health and safety of your trees—and your property. But with so many options, how can you be sure you’re hiring someone reliable and qualified? Follow these nine simple steps to choose a certified and trustworthy arborist in Toronto.
Step 1: Ask Your Neighbours
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a reliable arborist. If a neighbor has had tree work done recently, ask about their experience.
- Look for reviews: Explore client reviews and testimonials to see what others say.
- Be cautious with directories: Sites like Homestars allow paid placements, so take ratings with a grain of salt.
What about us? We have a 4.9 rating on Google from 120+ reviews.
Step 2: Verify Real Credentials
Certified arborists have the training and experience to handle tree care professionally. Unfortunately, there are individuals and companies out there that misrepresent their credentials and either make false claims to be certified, or claim to licensed arborists. Look for:
- Ontario Qualified Arborist: The Ontario skilled trades certification, which requires education, 6000 hours of work experience and an exam. Ontario Qualified Arborists are Journeymen and trained explicitly on trees and standards in Ontario.
- Pro Tip: Request the certificates of arborists claiming this certification, they should be able to provide you a Skilled Trades Ontario certificate or wallet card.
- ISA Certification: The international certification available in arboriculture. It requires 3 years experience in a field related to arboriculture – including landscaping or gardening. It is considered an entry level certification. There are many higher ISA certification levels, that are available only to individuals.
- Pro Tip: Verify their ISA credentials on the International Society of Arboriculture website. Many who get this designation let it lapse, meaning they haven’t kept up their continuing education requirement.
- “Verified” Profiles: Many home service market places like Jiffy, Bark, Houzz or Homestars have paid programs to promote companies as “verified”. These are not recognize credentials.They often claim to review the providers, but read the fine print – they don’t verify education, experience or qualifications of “verified” companies.
What about us? We employ ISA Certified Arborists and Ontario Qualified Arborists. Our staff teach in the Humber College Arborist Program. All of our field employees are either registered apprentices working towards certification or Certified Arborists.
Step 3: Check for Insurance
Tree work involves risks, so hiring an insured arborist is essential. Reliable companies carry:
- Liability insurance to protect your property. You’ll want a company to demonstrate they have a minimum of $2 million in commercial general liability insurance under the name of the company. It is legally required in Ontario to run a business.
- WSIB coverage to ensure workers are protected.
Uninsured companies are a liability—don’t take the risk! You can verify WSIB status on the WSIB Clearance Lookup. - Pro Tip: If a company or individual doesn’t have liability insurance, you’ll be liable for any damage or injury they cause to themselves, you or your property.
What about us? We have $5 million in commercial general liability insurance, extended health insurance, auto insurance and valid WSIB.
Step 4: Review Past Work
Look for arborists who proudly showcase their work. This can give you confidence in their expertise. If they don’t have a website, updated social media profiles or recent reviews, this is a red flag.
- Website or social media: Professional arborists should display photos and videos of completed projects. Check out their instagram or Facebook profiles
- Signs of quality: Trees should look healthy and well-maintained after pruning or removal.
- Pro-tip: Watch out for stock photos! Arborists have a pretty interesting job – and view when they’re working. A company that is using stock photos is a red flag. If they have experience and work with specialized tools, you should be able to see real pictures of their company, staff and work. When you don’t, it can be hard to tell what is real and what isn’t.
What about us? All of the photos on our website come from our company, only. We do not use stock photos. Here is a picture of us working at Queens Park in Toronto, for the Ontario Legislature:
Step 5: Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Gathering 2–3 quotes allows you to:
- Compare value: Understand what’s included. Arboriculture is a lot more than cutting branches, and tree and hedge care services are not all the same. Ask what is actually involved, and understand differences in scope.
- Interview companies: Use this time to ask questions about their approach and experience.
Step 6: Assess Safety Practices
Safety is a top priority for reputable arborists and tree care companies. When reviewing their work or photos, check for:
- Pictures of clean equipment, crews in uniforms and helmets
- Proper use of helmets, harnesses, and climbing ropes.
- Crews following safe procedures on-site.
A company that takes safety seriously shows professionalism and attention to detail.
What about us? We are leaders in safe practice! You can see us from afar in our bright orange trucks and uniforms.
Step 7: Meet Your Arborist
The quote visit isn’t just about numbers—it’s your chance to gauge the arborist’s approach. Look for someone who:
- Gets to know you: Takes time to understand your property and trees.
- Educates and informs: Explains their recommendations clearly and answers your questions, offering different options if requested.
- Follows the laws: Can explain local tree by-laws and how the work they propose will follow them, so you can avoid fines
- Pro tip: Ask who will be performing the work. Will it be the person you’re meeting, or someone else leading the crew? Do they employ subcontractors?
What about us? We don’t employ subcontractors, temporary labour or general labourers. We don’t use lead generation companies or lead referral – we only work on projects we have quoted ourselves.
Step 8: Review the Quote
Ask for a written, detailed quote that breaks down the work to be done. It should include:
- What is going to happen? A clear scope of services that describes the work accurately, without generalizing. Tree pruning” or “hedge trimming” are can mean many different things.
- Itemized costs: Any additional costs, like tree planting or reports.
- Pro Tip: Look for what is missing. Some companies that provide tree removal services don’t offer arborist reports required to get permits to remove trees. This means the cost of the report, the permit and replanting will be on you. They may have a lower price point, but Is everything you need included?
What about us? We provide written quotes with full pricing and options for all of our jobs. If something isn’t included, we make it clear.
Step 9: Be Wary of Low Prices
Cheap tree work often comes at a cost—hidden risks, lack of insurance, or poor-quality results. Reputable arborists:
- Invest in training and equipment: This reflects in their pricing.
- Deliver better outcomes: Your trees (and property) will thank you for choosing a professional.
- Pro-tip: Avoid fines, tree damage and disappointment. At the end of the day, you’ll be the one facing insurance claims, fines and property or tree damage from poor quality work.
What about us? We offer a fair pricing policy. If you get a cheaper quote for the same work from a reputable company, we will adjust our price to reflect it.
Get a Free Quote from a Certified Toronto Arborist
Finding the right arborist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps, you can feel confident in your choice. Ready to move forward? Reach out today to get expert tree care backed by certifications, safety, and years of experience. Check out more about us to learn what makes us a great option in Toronto.
Infographic: 9 Steps to Find a Reliable Arborist
For a quick reference guide, check out our helpful infographic below!