ArborProof

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Burlington, Ontario · Updated September 2026

Best Tree Services in Burlington

The three highest-scoring tree companies that serve Burlington, ranked by LEAF Score. Every company in Ontario is checked the same way, on insurance coverage, arborist credentials, experience and reviews. No company can pay to be at the top of this page.

45companies serve Burlington
24with WSIB clearance confirmed
3.4average leaves here

Burlington’s top 3 by LEAF Score

1

Brent Hocking Consulting Arborist

Serves Burlington, Mississauga, Hamilton, Oakville and Toronto

5.0 · 5 Google reviewsWSIB clearance confirmed · to Nov 19, 2026
Verified by BusinessThe business confirmed these details on October 29, 2026.

Specializations

Tree removal (small)Tree removal (large)Tree pruning (small)Tree pruning (large)Hedge trimming (medium and large)Stump grinding (small)Stump grinding (large)Tree planting (small)Tree planting (large)Cabling & bracingFertilizationHydro line clearance24/7 emergency serviceCrane servicesOn-site consultationLegal / bylaw dispute assistanceArborist reportsTree protection plansTree risk assessmentTree appraisalAir excavationPest & disease treatmentLand clearingEducation and advocacyWood chips - UNrefined - LARGE quantityWood chips - Refined - LARGE quantity

Pricing

On-site consultationStarting at $425
Arborist reportsStarting at $650
Tree risk assessmentStarting at $1,000
Confirmed by the businessNot listed by the business
Visit websiteFull profile →
8/10LEAF Score

Score breakdown

10+ Google reviews5 Google reviews
5+ years in businessNo reliable figure found
Employs a Certified Arborist1 ISA Certified Arborist (including Board Certified Master Arborists)
Employs a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification holder1 with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Brent Hocking, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification See certificate →
Employs a Board Certified Master Arborist1 Board Certified Master Arborist
Brent Hocking, Board Certified Master Arborist, ON-2667B See certificate →
Certificate of insurance on fileValid until September 1, 2027
We have verified insurance this year, but the policy may have changed. Verify with the company.
Valid WSIB clearanceWSIB clearance confirmed
Matched WSIB account: BRENT HOCKING / BRENT HOCKING CONSULTING ARBORIST See certificate →
Transparent pricingPricing posted
Verified their own listingConfirmed by the business
Founded in CanadaFounded in Canada
2

Arborwood Tree Service

Serves Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, Grimsby and Lincoln and more

4.9 · 506 Google reviewsWSIB clearance confirmed · to Nov 19, 2026
Verified by BusinessThe business confirmed these details on October 23, 2026.

Specializations

Tree removal (small)Tree removal (large)Tree pruning (small)Tree pruning (large)Hedge trimming (medium and large)Stump grinding (small)Stump grinding (large)Tree planting (small)Tree planting (large)Cabling & bracingFertilizationHydro line clearance24/7 emergency serviceCrane servicesOn-site consultationLegal / bylaw dispute assistanceArborist reportsTree protection plansTree risk assessmentTree appraisalAir excavationPest & disease treatmentLand clearingEducation and advocacyWood chips - UNrefined - LARGE quantityWood chips - Refined - LARGE quantity
Confirmed by the businessNot listed by the business
Visit websiteFull profile →
7/10LEAF Score

Score breakdown

50+ Google reviews506 Google reviews
5+ years in business25 years in business
Employs a Certified Arborist9 ISA Certified Arborists
Andrew Hordyk, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Anthony Ouwersloot, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Michael Murphy, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Noah Frigault, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Nick Owen, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Timothy John Werkman, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Bailey Anderson Hordyk, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Daniel Breukelman, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Evan Rolston, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Employs a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification holder5 with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Andrew Hordyk, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification See certificate →
Anthony Ouwersloot, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification See certificate →
Michael Murphy, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification See certificate →
Noah Frigault, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification See certificate →
Nick Owen, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification See certificate →
Employs a Board Certified Master ArboristNone confirmed
Certificate of insurance on fileNot posted
Valid WSIB clearanceWSIB clearance confirmed
Matched WSIB account: ARBORWOOD TREE SERVICE INC. See certificate →
Transparent pricingNot posted
Verified their own listingConfirmed by the business
Founded in CanadaFounded in Canada
3

DeVos Tree Care

Serves Burlington, Hamilton, Ancaster, Binbrook and Carlisle and more

4.9 · 209 Google reviewsWSIB clearance confirmed · to Nov 19, 2026
Not yet verified by the businessThese details come from our own research. Is this your business? Claim this listing

Specializations

Tree removal (small)Tree removal (large)Tree pruning (small)Tree pruning (large)Hedge trimming (medium and large)Stump grinding (small)Stump grinding (large)Tree planting (small)Tree planting (large)Cabling & bracingFertilizationHydro line clearance24/7 emergency serviceCrane servicesOn-site consultationLegal / bylaw dispute assistanceArborist reportsTree protection plansTree risk assessmentTree appraisalAir excavationPest & disease treatmentLand clearingEducation and advocacyWood chips - UNrefined - LARGE quantityWood chips - Refined - LARGE quantity

Pricing

Tree removal (small)
*Based on 8.5 hour day with 3 staffDay Rate* $2,500
Tree pruning (small)
*Based on 8.5 hour day with 3 staffDay Rate* $2,500
Tree pruning (large)
*Based on 8.5 hour day with 3 staffDay Rate* $2,700
Stump grinding (small)Starting at $330
Cabling & bracingStarting at $700
Inferred from our research — not yet confirmed by the businessNot inferred — ask directly
Visit websiteFull profile →
7/10LEAF Score

Score breakdown

50+ Google reviews209 Google reviews
5+ years in business11 years in business
Employs a Certified Arborist2 ISA Certified Arborists
Aaron DeVos, Certified Arborist, ON-1880A See certificate →
Kyle Goforth, Certified Arborist, ON-3280A See certificate →
Employs a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification holderNone confirmed
Employs a Board Certified Master ArboristNone confirmed
Certificate of insurance on fileValid until March 27, 2027
We have verified insurance this year, but the policy may have changed. Verify with the company.
Valid WSIB clearanceWSIB clearance confirmed
Matched WSIB account: AARON DEVOS & MARICA SMIT / DEVOS TREE CARE See certificate →
Transparent pricingPricing posted
Verified their own listingNot yet confirmed
Founded in CanadaFounded in Canada

Ties are broken by number of credentials (each Certified Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification holder counts, so someone with two counts twice), then Google reviews.

More companies serving Burlington

4Diamond Tree Care & Consulting IncHalton Hills · 4.8 from 185 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed6/105Wildwood Tree Services LtdOakville · 4.7 from 90 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed6/106Amy Choi ConsultingBurlingtonNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed5/107Bartlett Tree Experts (Oakville location)Oakville · 4.6 from 101 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed5/108Beswick Tree ServiceHamilton · 4.8 from 870 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed5/10See all 45 companies serving Burlington on the map →
Two views of a tree next to a house. On the left a branch touches the roof. On the right the branch has been cut back to a side branch just outside the branch collar so it no longer touches.
Homeowner question

If a tree is rubbing against a house, how far back should it be pruned?

Evergreens typically grow more slowly, so they don't need as much clearance. Most deciduous trees should be pruned back approximately 2 metres (6 to 7 feet) from the house.

We caution against clearing too much from the house side. It can injure the tree and pose a greater risk to your house. For example, if a high branch breaks, there is no lower branch for it to get caught on.

Before you cut

Burlington’s private tree rules

Permit needed in some areas or cases

In Burlington's urban area (where most homes are), you need a City permit to remove or injure a tree measuring 20 cm or more across, measured 1.37 m off the ground. Dead, dying or high-risk trees still need a permit, but the usual fees and replacement trees are waived.

Urban area

Permit for trees 20 cm and up

Private Tree By-law 040-2022 covers trees 20 cm or more across (measured 1.37 m off the ground) inside the Urban Planning Area Boundary. Use the City's map to check if your home is inside. Normal pruning of up to one-third of the live crown does not need a permit.

Urban area

Replacement trees

Removed trees are usually replaced: 2 new trees for a 20–35 cm tree, 3 for 36–74 cm, and 4 for 75 cm or more. If there is no room to plant, you can pay cash-in-lieu instead.

Urban area

Dead or risky trees

Trees that are 100% dead, terminally ill or confirmed high-risk by a qualified professional still need a permit, but fees and replacement are waived. Invasive species and trees under 20 cm are exempt.

City-owned trees

Permit for any public tree

Public Tree By-law 098-2025 requires a permit for work on any tree on City property, including boulevard trees, whatever its size. The 2025 update added tiered removal fees and security deposits.

All of Halton Region

Woodlands over 0.5 hectare

Halton Region's Tree By-law 121-05 covers woodlands larger than 0.5 hectare and land in the Regional natural heritage system. Cutting there needs a Regional permit, with exemptions for dead or diseased trees and normal farming.

Anywhere in Ontario

Trees on a property line

A tree whose trunk sits on the line belongs to both neighbours. Ontario’s Forestry Act says you need your neighbour’s consent before removing or injuring it.

Size limits, fees, replacement trees and exemptions
Which trees need a permit
20 cm across, measured 1.37 m off the ground (urban area only)
Permit fee
Third-party sources list: $50 application processing fee + $325 for 1–3 trees, $225 for the 4th tree, $125 each for 5+ trees; injury permit $75/tree (plus HST). Year not confirmed; City says amounts are set in its Rates and Fees By-law.
Replacement trees
2:1 for 20–35 cm, 3:1 for 36–74 cm, 4:1 for 75 cm+; cash-in-lieu option (third-party sources list $250 per replacement tree, plus a $250 per-tree security deposit)
Common exemptions
  • Trees under 20 cm; pruning up to one-third of live crown; nursery/orchard trees; invasive species; emergency work (with notice); dead, terminal or high-risk trees still need a permit but fees and replacement are waived.
What’s changing

Rules under review

By-law 100-2025 (passed 2025-12-09) was a housekeeping amendment to the Private Tree By-law; Public Tree By-law 098-2025 updated with 2026 Rates and Fees. No further private tree changes found.

Not sure if you need a permit?

Ask the municipality before any work starts. A good tree company will also check for you and tell you who applies for the permit.

Service Burlington

905-335-7777Official information page →

Summary checked September 2026. It’s a plain-language guide, not legal advice. Bylaws change, so confirm with the municipality before you remove a tree.

Sources
A year strip of months showing the dormant season as best for pruning live branches, the spring growth flush as the time to avoid heavy pruning, and dead or hazardous limbs removable any time.
Homeowner question

Does it matter when a tree gets pruned?

If the branches are dead or truly hazardous, then to protect your health and safety, it doesn't matter. Do it any time of the year. For live branches it is best done before the spring growth flush, when wounds close the fastest.

Before you hire

What to check before you hire a tree service

Tree work is dangerous, and it’s expensive to fix when it goes wrong. Six questions worth asking any company, including the ones on this page.

  1. Ask for a WSIB clearance certificate and proof of liability insurance

    Tree work is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. We do our best on our end, but these certificates can change before we have a chance to update them. Some good companies will give them to you without you even having to ask. Bonus!

  2. Find out who will actually do the work

    You may get a Certified Arborist as your salesperson, but will the same be true of the person who works on your property? You won't know until you ask. A Certified Arborist may cost more, but it can cost a lot more if the work is done wrong and the tree dies early or your property is damaged.

  3. Get the quote in writing

    It should say exactly which trees, and whether cleanup, wood removal, stump grinding and so on are included. The more detailed the quote, the better.

  4. Ask who handles the permit

    If a bylaw applies, agree up front who applies for the permit and who pays the fee. Removing a protected tree without one usually means a fine for the property owner, not the tree company.

  5. If money is tight, try this

    See if the work can be scheduled in a slower season for a lower price. Clear obstacles (fences, gates, lawn ornaments, plants) before the crew arrives. Find someone online, such as on Facebook Marketplace, who will take the wood for free. Or change the scope of work, for example pruning only the lower half of the tree instead of the whole tree.

  6. Trees near power lines are a utility job

    If branches touch or come close to a hydro line, call your local hydro utility (the one on your electricity bill) first. Only crews the utility approves can work near power lines.

A year strip of months. Late summer to early fall is the best time to plant, spring is acceptable with a little more risk, and midsummer planting is the greatest risk because the tree may not be watered.
Homeowner question

When is the best time to plant a tree?

The goal is usually to give the tree as much time to establish as possible before summer drought. Therefore, late summer to early fall is the best time of year. Spring is acceptable as well; it just carries a little more risk. Summer planting is the greatest risk to the tree, in part because many Ontarians vacation and the tree may not get watered while they are away.

Tree services near Burlington

HamiltonOakvilleMiltonMississaugaHalton HillsCambridge

LEAF Scores reflect public records and research on the date checked. Always confirm insurance, certification and WSIB coverage directly with a company before you hire it.