How the New Ottawa Tree Protection By-Law Affects Tree Removal

arborist executing tree removal in ottawa

Ottawa’s most recent Tree Protection by-law has strengthened regulations preserving urban trees and preventing urban deforestation by imposing strong fines for breaking them.

This new set of regulations, approved in January 2021, is the result of blending two by-laws affecting trees on private and municipal property.

If you are planning on getting a tree removed, it is important to know what this new regulation entails. Read More

What Is Required to Become An Arborist?

arborist cutting tree in ottawa

An arborist mantains, transplants and removes trees using diagnostic and pruning tools, climbing systems and mechanized equipment.

Certified tree professionals are knowledgeable on the science of arboriculture, and the study, cultivation, and management of individual trees. Read More

Ottawa Tree Removal: Do You Need A Permit??

ottawa homeowner researching tree permit bylaws

From time to time, an Ottawa homeowner or property manager may might want to cut a tree down for different reasons.

Maybe the tree is dead or dying. Perhaps the tree suffers from rotting or infestation. Whatever the reason is, you want a specific tree on your Ottawa property to be gone. Fair enough.

However, the City of Ottawa has been making significant efforts in the last decade to protect urban trees from being cut unnecessarily. As a result, someone who wants to get rid of a tree may find it necessary to obtain a permit for tree removal in Ottawa, although the rules vary depending on the situation.Read More

Tree Root Removal for an Attractive & Safe Property

tree roots in Ottawa yard.

The most obvious reason to remove tree roots and/or a tree stump is that it serves as a reminder that a tree once stood there.

However, there is more to it, since tree stumps and roots pose a big risk to properties and individuals.

For this reason, you want them removed for your peace of mind. If you are just trying to save a tree but need to get rid of the pesky roots that are clogging up the sewer line or cracking your sidewalk, we also have your Ottawa tree care needs covered. Whatever the reason is, be sure to read this article before removing any tree roots.Read More

Ottawa Tree Removal in the Winter Time

A single tree during winter surrounded by snow.

Can you do tree removal in Ottawa during the winter?

That’s a question we’re often asked here at Croft Tree Experts, the leaders and trusted providers of Ottawa tree removal and other tree care and arborist services.Read More

A Day in the Life of an Ottawa Arborist

Arborist doing tree pruning with a chainsaw in Ottawa.

“What’s it like, being an arborist?”

As Ottawa arborists, we get asked this question quite a bit.

Being an arborist isn’t just a job for us, after all, but more of a passion and lifelong interest.Read More

4 Tips for Fall Cleanup for Ottawa Trees & Yards

Autumn leaves on green grass.

With the end of summer (sigh… cry) comes fall in and around Ottawa.

Short as it is, fall (or autumn, if you will) is a beautiful time of year in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The leaves are turning all sorts of vibrant shades, the smell of fireplaces begins to permeate the air, and pumpkin spice everything is on offer.

When it comes to yards and trees, fall means cleaning up and preparing for winter.Read More

How Ottawa Arborists Help with Tree Care, Tree Removal & More

Ottawa house with large trees and beautiful landscaping in front.

 

With the onset of summer, many Ottawa homeowners and property managers are busily tending to their landscaping and property beautification.

Lawns, hedges, bushes and trees get the royal treatment as it’s their time to shine in the sun.

With such a short window not only to enjoy warm weather here in Eastern Ontario but to take care of our homes and property, summer is – as you can imagine – the busiest time of year for Ottawa arborists.Read More

Ottawa Tree Services in Full Swing for the Summer

Well pruned tree growing in front of Ottawa house.

We have all faced a great challenge this year, with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

We certainly hope you and your loved ones have stayed healthy and safe through these times.

At Croft Tree Experts in Ottawa, we curtailed our Ottawa tree services this spring until getting the green light from the Province of Ontario to restart operations. We are now returning to our regular operations and getting back to offering our full lineup of tree services, including tree pruning, tree planting, tree removal in Ottawa – and many other arborist services.Read More

What Is an Arborist? Why Should I Hire One?

arborist in safety equipment looking at trees after tree removal.

It’s springtime again here in Ottawa. The leaves are budding, the birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, and the temperatures are (slowly but surely) getting warmer.

That means it’s lawn & tree care season once again.

A question we hear a lot is, “What is an arborist?”Read More

What Happens When Storms Damage Trees

Most damage to a property during storms occurs when trees fall. In addition to physical damage or detriment, risk and liability can become a concern to people who have had a tree from their property fall. Therefore, deciding what to do with damaged trees is vital. If you are looking for information on tree removal and branch trimming in Ottawa this article is for you.

Read More

When Winter Ends & Trees Are Damaged or Dead

Tree limb fallen in a yard during autumn with snow on the ground in Ottawa.

With winter ending, it’s that time of year where we’re all out in our yards and out & about on our properties here in Ottawa and the National Capital Region.

As you inspect the trees on your property, you may have observed that winter took its toll on one or more of your trees. Indeed, Ottawa winters are known to do their fair share of damage to trees, and when everything finally melts and thaws out in the (merciful) spring, tree damage becomes apparent.Read More

Stump Removal vs Stump Grinding

A stump grinder being used for stump grinding services.

There are many reasons for eliminating tree stumps in your yard. This will not only improve the aesthetics of your property but will also ensure the safety of your beloved ones.

Nonetheless, deciding which procedure to adopt can be challenging. Stump removal and stump grinding are very common systems in Ottawa, but very different in terms of removal. Read on to learn which one suits you best!Read More

Everything You Need to Know About Tree Removal in Ottawa

Arborist watches tree as it falls during tree removal service.

If you own a home or manage a property in Ottawa, you might find yourself needing tree removal.

While tree removal is a fairly straightforward process, it is definitely something left to tree professionals and arborists. From your end, the important things to decide are
• when to remove a tree (versus when to keep it, prune the branches, etc.)
• whether you will need an Ottawa tree removal permit
• who you will call on to remove the tree(s)

Read on to find out what steps you can take to make sure your tree removal is carried out safely and in compliance with Ottawa bylaws.

Read More

Why Hire an Arborist in Ottawa?

Two arborists looking up at a tree before removal service.

 

 

Arborists are qualified individuals who specialize in the care of trees.

As a result of the training, arborists are knowledgeable about trees and their specific needs. However, that is not the only reason to hire an arborist in Ottawa: proper tree care is an investment that will add considerable value to your property.Read More

Get Ready for Springtime – Tree Trimming in Ottawa

Arborist high in a tree trimming branches with a chainsaw.

 

When it comes to tree health, pruning and trimming is a necessary task that improves sunlight penetration and increase air movement through the tree

Trimming trees will not only remove the old and dead branches, It will add value to your property.

Interested to learn some tips on tree trimming in Ottawa? Throughout this blog post, you will find all you need to know about tree pruning and tree trimming.Read More

Why You Need To Remove Trees That Have Fallen On Your Property

tree falls after storm needs removal

There are a number of reasons why a fallen tree should be removed from a property. Most of these reasons have to do with safety but there are other things to consider as well. Regardless of any specific reason, a fallen tree has to be removed. Read on to find out why your need to remove a fallen tree from your property and avoid larger problems that could arise in the future!

Fallen Trees Cause Can Extensive Damage

Fallen trees can result in thousands of dollars in damage.

When a large tree falls, anything in its path will be caught by it. This could include other nearby trees, buildings, vehicles, or power lines. Because of the sheer size of some trees, it is essentially guaranteed that if a large tree falls on something, it will be damaged, and be costly to fix.

If a tree falls on your home, or vehicle, you won’t be able to get the damage repaired without removing the tree first. If you delay in having the tree removed, the weight of the tree will increase the amount of damage the home or vehicle sustains, making it much more expensive to fix.

In other words, the longer you procrastinate, the more expensive the repairs will become.

Tree fallen on damaged roof needs emergency removal.
Fallen tree on an Ottawa house needs emergency removal.

Fallen Trees Pose an Inherent Risk

No tree stands forever. It is a simple fact of life.

If a tree falls on your property, quick removal is a necessity to maintain a safe environment for your family, pets, guests and neighbours.

A tree that touches a power line can cause shock hazards, power outages and fires. Downed power lines are extremely dangerous, and you should always assume that they are live.

Stay away from the tree & power line – under no circumstances you should try to remove a portion of the tree yourself!

Delaying the removal of a fallen tree poses another risk, namely parts, or all of the tree shifting and falling further, or causing a major collapse of your house. A tree that has fallen on a house won’t sit in the same spot forever. It will either shift and fall off the side of the building, causing more damage to anything in its path, or the weight of the tree will cause the roof and potentially more of the house’s structure to collapse, bringing potential harm to anyone who is inside.

Because of these risks, it is crucial that you trust a certified expert in tree removal to get the job done quickly and safely.

Life Finds a Way – Even in Fallen Trees

Trees can fall for many different reasons.

A common cause for fallen trees in and around Ottawa is weather. Whether it’s a heavy snowfall or ice storm in the wintertime, or a summer storm with high winds or lightning strikes, trees are most certainly exposed to a variety of natural climate phenomena that can cause it to fall. 

Sometimes a tree contracts a disease that causes it to die.

Other times, trees can just get old and fall apart in a natural way.

Yet even if a tree is dead, there will still be life in it. Why?

Animals may take shelter inside it, insects andpests could tunnel into the wood. It is also very likely that moss and fungi will grow on the trunk.

These are all less than desirable things to have on your property and you certainly wouldn’t want any of them to migrate into your home. So don’t delay in getting your tree removed.

Large tree fallen in the back yard of an Ottawa house.
Tree limb fallen in a yard during autumn with snow on the ground in Ottawa.

What to do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

If a tree happens to fall on your property, the first thing you need to do is to leave the affected area as soon as possible, through the safest possible route. Having an evacuation plan will go a long way in making sure your family stays safe in the event of a tree falling on your home. Make sure you practice the plan with your family and when the time comes when you actually need to evacuate your home, focus on nothing but the safety of you and your family.

Afterwards, call emergency services, who come to make sure the house is safe to re-enter.

Then, get hold of your insurance company to determine if the repairs will be covered by your coverage.

Finally, contact us! Tree removal is one of our most popular services, and one we are especially adept at. We know how to deal with fallen trees wherever they may lie. We are the best choice for having the tree removed safely so you don’t have to worry about putting yourself at risk to take care of it.

Ottawa Fall Cleanup Tips for Lawn & Trees

woman picking up leaves off lawn in autumn.

 

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Ottawa! Leaves, wind, chilly weather, pumpkin spice, and warm scarves are all tell-tales of this gorgeous season.

If you’re a homeowner or property manager in Ottawa, you know the value and importance of taking care of your lawn. Keeping your yard in tip-top shape and preparing it for the upcoming seasons are probably at or near the top of your list of home care priorities. Read More

Do I Need A Permit To Remove A Tree On My Ottawa Property?

Certified arborist watching a tree as it falls during removal service.

A question we get asked quite a bit is about Ottawa tree removal and the need for permits.

The City of Ottawa has a by-law to protect urban trees from being removed without good cause. To remove a tree from a private property, you might need a permit from the city, but the rules differ depending on the situation. Read on to find out more about permits for tree removal in Ottawa.Read More

Take Advantage of Summer for Tree Trimming & Tree Removal in Ottawa

summertime house yard with trees

 

Summer is a great time to tackle Ottawa tree removal and trimming. Take advantage of those long, sunny days to tidy up your property: Clear away dead branches, fallen trees and debris. Not only will you be making your home look its best, you’ll also be preventing disease and encouraging new growth in your trees and shrubs.Read More

Removing Dead and Wind-Damaged Trees in Ottawa

high winds split tree trunk

When you have fallen trees, limbs & branches, debris and dead or wind-damaged trees on your property, certified Ottawa arborists can properly assess the damage and take the appropriate action. Most damage occurs when branches or trees fall, either on your own property or your neighbour’s property. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s important to bring in the professionals in these situations.Read More

Why Keep Mulch Away from Tree Trunks?

putting soil around the base of a young tree

Hey tree enthusiasts!

One of the more commonly asked questions we get asked here at Croft Tree Experts in Ottawa is in regard to mulch.

Should you put mulch in your yard? Is it beneficial? What should one avoid when mulching? Read More

How We Cut Down Large Trees in Ottawa

man cutting large tree trunk

 

“Tim-berrrrrr!”

That’s usually the sound people associate when they picture a big tree being cut down. How about the image that goes with it? Perhaps you’re imagining a tall tree, redwood type maybe even, and a burly guy in a red plaid shirt, swinging an axe in one fell swoop at the trunk to bring down the whole tree a-fallin’? Tree-cutting cartoons are hilarious, but of course that’s not how professional tree-cutters actually cut down large trees. In this edition of the Croft Tree Experts blog, we’ll take an inside (well, outdoors but from insiders) look at how large trees are cut down.Read More

Why Does My Tree Have Mushrooms on it?

mushrooms growing on a tree

A question that we get (in various iterations) from time to time here at Croft Tree Experts in Ottawa has to do with mushrooms growing on trees.

  • Why do mushrooms grow in trees?
  • Is it a problem if mushrooms are growing on a tree in my yard?
  • Are the mushrooms on my tree poisonous or can I eat them?

Read More

Am I Responsible To Remove My Tree Or Is The City?

 

One of the questions we get asked quite a bit here at Croft Tree Experts is in regard to whose responsibility it is to remove a tree from residential property: The homeowner or the city.

To answer this question in short: It is usually your responsibility as a homeowner to remove a tree from your property.

Of course, like just about anything else when it comes to bureaucratic matters, it’s complicated, and there are often contradictions. In this article we’ll take a look at different circumstances in which trees are removed from residential property and who pays.Read More

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree?

Staff supervising tree removal by Croft Tree Experts

At Croft Tree Experts in Ottawa, we remove trees and stumps of all varieties and sizes. Being certified arborists, we have the know-how and experience that it takes to fell a tree effectively, efficiently, and without damage or impact to surrounding property, buildings or landscaping.

A question that we are frequently asked – particularly by phone, email or on our contact form – is, “How much does it cost to remove a tree?”Read More

Croft Tree Experts Are on the Way – “How Do I Ensure I’m Prepared?

Croft Tree Experts arborist using saw to cut tree branches

So you’ve decided to get the services from Croft Tree Experts. Great Choice! Whether its tree removal, stump removal, or hedge trimming; we can provide an unmatched quality of tree services to protect and beautify your property. Our team of Certified Arborists and Forest Technicians bring the skills, knowledge and expertise in examining trees and give you the best advice to protect them. Call Croft Tree Experts and we’ll be there in no time. How do you ensure you’re ready when Croft Tree Experts are on their way? This guide should help you prepare for our tree experts to do what they do best.Read More

How Do You Remove Trees In Urban Locations Without Damaging Homes?

tree removal expert sawing through a tree

Due to potential hazards, sometimes trees need to be removed if they are diseased, damaged, too aged, infested, or simply because they have become too large for the area that they are in. It is important that tree removal is only performed by trained professionals because such a process can be tough and dangerous. Removing a large tree incorrectly could cause serious damage to your home.
Read More

6 Common Diseases That Kill Trees in Canada

Tree sawed to expose cross-section

When planting trees, property owners usually take care of it by watering, fertilizing, staking and pruning them. These are all basic steps for maintaining your trees in Canada. But like humans, trees are not immune to diseases and death. Your trees may need treatment, too.
Read More

Do I Need A Permit To Remove A Tree On My Ottawa Property?

Croft Tree Experts Arborist climbs high to remove section of tree

 

There are many reasons why you might want to cut down a tree – perhaps it is dead or rotting, has been struck by lightning and is a danger, has an infestation of  Emerald Ash Borers, or maybe you just want it gone. 

In the last decade, the City of Ottawa has made significant efforts to protect trees from being cut needlessly, especially in urban areas. Anyone looking to cut down a tree on an Urban property must now obtain a permit from the city, but the rules differ depending on the situation. The goal of the the bylaw is to ensure that trees being cut down in the City’s urban areas are diseased or in a state that risks damage to property or person. Cutting down a tree simply because you don’t like it is no longer in the cards

Tree Conservation – Urban (By-law No. 2009-200) is the bylaw that governs the tree felling and removal on private property in Ottawa. This bylaw is complex with many regulations, conditions, and prohibitions. In order to be sure you are safely and legally removing a tree from your property it is essential that these bylaws are understood and followed. Luckily for you, you don’t have to take a deep dive into Ottawa By-Laws, you can trust in our knowledge and expertise as Ottawa’s leading arborist service.

Read More

Signs Your Tree May Need To Be Removed

Croft Tree Experts arborist sawing base of tree during tree removal

Having a tree removed can be hard decision to make. Not only is it an expense to consider, but it is easy to become attached to the tree and fear that once the tree is removed you will miss its shade and presence. Sadly, there some cases when you may have no choice but to bite the bullet and remove a tree either for immediate safety or avoiding future problems.
Read More

Signs Your Tree May Be Sick

fruit tree in late autumn with bare branches

A sick tree can be tough to deal with. Most of the care comes down to prevention and early detection if you want a good chance at saving it from needing to be removed. Strong healthy trees not only provide you and your property with joy, shade and character, but also stand to increase the property value of your home. Be sure to always have an eye open for signs your tree’s health is compromised, as these symptoms typically develop slowly and the earlier it can be treated the better chance you have to save it. Here is a list of things to look out for:
Read More

5 Reasons You Should Remove A Stump ASAP

Croft Tree Experts grinding stump during tree removal in Ottawa

Removing a tree stump can be easily procrastinated. I can involve a lot of work and time and it is not too much of an eyesore, so why bother? Well there are many reasons why you should be thinking about getting that stump removed by professionals ASAP. Here we will discuss 5 important reasons why you need to remove that stump.
Read More