ArborProof

Fact-checking tree companies.

Hamilton, Ontario · Updated September 2026

Best Tree Services in Hamilton

The three highest-scoring tree companies that serve Hamilton, 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.

43companies serve Hamilton
23with WSIB clearance confirmed
3.5average leaves here

Hamilton’s top 3 by LEAF Score

1

Brent Hocking Consulting Arborist

Serves Hamilton, Mississauga, Burlington, 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 Hamilton, Burlington, 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 Hamilton, Burlington, Copetown, Freelton and Greensville 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 Hamilton

4Borer's Falls Tree ServiceHamilton · 3.0 from 145 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed6/105P & A Urban Forestry Consulting Ltd.Richmond Hill · 4.9 from 10 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed6/106Urban Arboretum Tree ConsultingNiagara · 5.0 from 7 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed6/107Ironwood Arboricultural SolutionsHamiltonNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed6/108Safe Tree Ltd.Niagara · 5.0 from 369 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB not confirmed5/10See all 43 companies serving Hamilton 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

Hamilton’s private tree rules

Permit needed in some areas or cases

Hamilton does not yet have one tree bylaw for the whole city. Older bylaws still protect some private trees in Dundas, Ancaster and Stoney Creek, and woodlands and City trees are protected everywhere. A new city-wide bylaw for trees 45 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m off the ground) has been proposed but not passed.

Former Town of Dundas

Dundas tree bylaw

By-law 4513-99 still applies in Dundas. A third-party guide says it covers trees about 15 cm across measured 0.3 m off the ground, and 10 cm in the Cross-Melville area. Check with the City before removing a tree in Dundas.

Former Town of Ancaster

Ancaster heritage tree bylaw

By-law 2000-118 protects certain large heritage trees in Ancaster. A third-party guide says it starts at 45 cm across, with species and distance from buildings also counting.

Former City of Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek tree bylaw

By-law 4401-96 still applies in parts of Stoney Creek. A third-party guide says it covers deciduous trees 30 cm across and conifers 15 cm across, on specified lots or land.

Whole city

Woodlands are protected

The Urban Woodland By-law 14-212 covers woodlands of 0.2 hectare or more inside the urban area. A separate woodland by-law covers woodlands of 0.81 hectare or more in rural Hamilton. Cutting in a covered woodland needs a permit.

City-owned trees

Permit for City trees

Public Tree By-law 15-125 protects trees on City property, including street trees. Do not prune or remove them without City approval.

Proposed

New city-wide bylaw not yet passed

The City consulted on a harmonized private tree bylaw from March 12 to April 23, 2026. It would need a permit to remove trees 45 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m off the ground) inside the urban boundary and would replace the Dundas, Ancaster and Stoney Creek bylaws. As of September 2026 we found no council vote.

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
Varies by former town (Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek); woodlands 0.2 ha+ (urban) or 0.81 ha+ (rural). Proposed city-wide: 45 cm across, measured 1.4 m off the ground, urban boundary only.
Permit fee
Proposed harmonized bylaw: about $350 per permit floated by staff (Feb 2026, not final). Current legacy-bylaw fees not confirmed.
Replacement trees
Proposed: 1 replacement tree per tree removed; 3:1 next to the natural heritage system or when 5+ trees are removed. Not yet in force.
Common exemptions
  • Proposed: dead or hazardous trees, trees near occupied buildings, invasive species (expanded exemption list). Current legacy-bylaw exemptions not confirmed.
What’s changing

Rules under review

Harmonized Private Tree By-law: public consultation closed 2026-04-23; engage.hamilton.ca lists next step 'Finalize Bylaws and Guidelines & Present to Council (TBD)'. No council vote or effective date found as of 2026-09-24.

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.

City of Hamilton (Forestry / 311)

905-546-2489Official 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
In the news

Recent tree news

  • The Bay Observer · February 24, 2026

    Cutting trees over 18 inches on private property will likely need a permit

    City staff proposed a bylaw requiring a permit to remove privately owned trees over 45 cm (about 18 inches) at chest height, with exceptions for dead or hazardous trees, trees close to occupied buildings and invasive species. A permit fee of up to about $350 was suggested, pending public consultation, which has since been completed.

  • The Bay Observer · February 22, 2026

    Hamilton faces a challenge in meeting its urban forest canopy goals

    Hamilton is well short of its goal of 40% tree canopy by 2050, with urban canopy at about 18% and rural canopy at about 26%. The article says the city's tree-planting budget is about $3.5 million a year for 2025 to 2029, roughly half the earlier level.

  • CP24 · May 7, 2026St. Catharines

    A "very dangerous" insect was recently spotted in Ontario. Here's why you should "squish them"

    About a dozen spotted lanternflies were found dead in March 2026 in an imported shipment of empty planting pots in St. Catharines, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. No established populations have been confirmed in Canada. The insect's main host is the tree of heaven, a restricted invasive tree in Ontario.

Links checked November 7, 2026. Summaries are ours; follow the link for the full story. Listing a story is not an endorsement of anyone named in it.

A gutter with a guard on top. Wet leafs pile up on the guard and carry rain water over the front edge of the gutter instead of into it, so guards still need to be cleared from time to time.
Homeowner question

Do gutter guards work against leafs?

They can help, but it is important to understand that they are not a cure-all. Having a gutter guard does not mean the gutters will never need to be inspected and cleared of leafs from time to time.

This is particularly the case when leafs get wet and accumulate. The leafs can sit on the gutter guard and act as a bridge, carrying the water right over the top of the gutter.

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 Hamilton

BurlingtonOakvilleMiltonBrantfordCambridgeMississauga

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.