Question 1

Who can remove dead or diseased trees safely near my house?

Accepted Answer

Work within striking distance of a dwelling should only be done by an insured company with an ISA Certified Arborist directing the takedown. Our crews rig and lower every section rather than free-dropping wood, position a tracked spider lift for stable cut placement, and carry $5,000,000 in liability coverage plus current WSIB clearance — both documents supplied before we start.

Question 2

Do I need a permit for tree removal in Port Perry or Bowmanville?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. Clarington's by-law covers Bowmanville and restricts destroying regulated private trees and any municipally owned tree. Scugog's by-law covers Port Perry and protects regulated private trees, woodlands and township trees, asking for species, DBH and a replacement plan. We confirm the current rule for your exact address, author the arborist report, and file the application for you.

Question 3

How fast is your emergency tree removal in Bowmanville?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch is staffed 24/7 and triaged by risk. Active hazards in Bowmanville and Clarington — a limb on a roof, a trunk against a service line, a tree on a vehicle — are typically on site within 2 to 4 hours. Non-urgent storm cleanup is scheduled within 24 to 72 hours, always with the price agreed before work begins.

Question 4

Will stump grinding ruin my lawn?

Accepted Answer

No. Our narrow-access grinder travels on tracks over protection boards, so the surrounding turf stays intact. We grind 8 to 12 inches below grade, chase the lateral surface roots, remove the chip, and backfill with topsoil — leaving a level, plantable spot rather than a crater.

Question 5

Are you insured, and can I see proof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Durham Tree Care carries $5,000,000 in commercial general liability coverage and maintains a clearance certificate with WSIB. We provide both documents in writing before work begins — never accept a tree quote without them.

Question 6

How fast do you respond to emergency storm damage?

Accepted Answer

Our 24/7 dispatch triages by risk. Active hazards — limbs on a roof, a tree on a vehicle, or a trunk against a power service — are typically on site within 2 to 4 hours in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Port Perry and Bowmanville. Non-urgent storm cleanup is scheduled within 24 to 72 hours.

Question 7

What is WSIB clearance and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

WSIB clearance confirms the contractor's workplace insurance account is in good standing. Without it, an injured worker on your property can become your financial liability. We supply a current clearance certificate on request for every job.

Question 8

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property?

Accepted Answer

In most Durham Region municipalities, yes — once the tree passes a diameter threshold (commonly 20 to 30 cm DBH measured at 1.4 m). Dead, dying, or imminently hazardous trees are often exempt but still require documentation. We confirm the current bylaw for your exact address and file the application for you.

Question 9

When is an arborist report required?

Accepted Answer

Municipalities request an ISA Certified Arborist report when a healthy protected tree is proposed for removal, when construction encroaches on a tree protection zone, or when a hazard claim needs verification. Our reports include species, DBH, condition rating, risk assessment, and a replacement plan.

Question 10

Will your equipment damage my lawn or driveway?

Accepted Answer

Our 33-inch tracked spider lift spreads its weight across rubber tracks and load-distribution pads, so ground pressure stays far below that of a wheeled bucket truck. We also mat sensitive routes. Zero-turf-impact access is the core of how we work.

Question 11

Can you reach a tree in a fully fenced backyard?

Accepted Answer

Almost always. If you have a standard 33-inch garden gate and a firm route, the spider lift walks straight in. No fence panels removed, no crane over the roof, no premium access charge.

Question 12

What happens to the wood and debris?

Accepted Answer

Brush is chipped on site and hauled away. Logs can be hauled out, cut to firewood lengths, or left stacked — your choice, stated on the quote. The site is raked and blown clean before we leave.

Question 13

How do you price a job?

Accepted Answer

Pricing reflects tree size, species, proximity to structures, access difficulty, and disposal volume. Written quotes are fixed-price and itemized — no hourly surprises. Emergency calls are quoted before work begins wherever conditions allow.

Question 14

Do you work on city-owned boulevard trees?

Accepted Answer

Boulevard and park trees belong to the municipality and cannot be pruned or removed by a homeowner or their contractor. We confirm ownership from the property survey and, where relevant, help you file the municipal service request.

Tree Care & Municipal Permit FAQs

Municipal permit thresholds at a glance

Pickering

Ajax

Whitby

Oshawa

Port Perry

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Frequently Asked Questions & Local Permits

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