ArborProof

Fact-checking tree companies.

Vaughan, Ontario · Updated September 2026

Best Tree Services in Vaughan

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

22companies serve Vaughan
12with WSIB clearance confirmed
3.5average leaves here

Vaughan’s top 3 by LEAF Score

1

Cinerea Urban Forestry Services

Serves Vaughan, Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill and Aurora

5.0 · 137 Google reviewsWSIB clearance confirmed · to Nov 19, 2026
Verified by BusinessThe business confirmed these details on October 25, 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

Arborist reportsStarting at $375
Tree protection plansStarting at $900
Tree risk assessmentStarting at $900
Confirmed by the businessNot listed by the business
Visit websiteFull profile →
10/10LEAF Score

Score breakdown

10+ Google reviews137 Google reviews
5+ years in business10 years in business
Employs a Certified Arborist1 ISA Certified Arborist (including Board Certified Master Arborists)
Employs a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification holder1 with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Mark Ellis, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification See certificate →
Employs a Board Certified Master Arborist1 Board Certified Master Arborist
Mark Ellis, Board Certified Master Arborist, ON-1686BM See certificate →
Certificate of insurance on fileValid until March 18, 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: MARK ELLIS / CINEREA URBAN FORESTRY SERVICES See certificate →
Transparent pricingPricing posted
Verified their own listingConfirmed by the business
Founded in CanadaFounded in Canada
2

Shady Lane Expert Tree Care

Serves Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham and Toronto

4.9 · 569 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
Inferred from our research — not yet confirmed by the businessNot inferred — ask directly
Visit websiteFull profile →
6/10LEAF Score

Score breakdown

50+ Google reviews569 Google reviews
5+ years in business48 years in business
Employs a Certified Arborist3 ISA Certified Arborists
Jonathan Arnold, Certified Arborist, ON-1019A See certificate →
Mark Vanderwouw, Certified Arborist, ON-0131A See certificate →
Allan Hillock, Certified Arborist
Employs a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification holder1 with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Mark Vanderwouw, 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: SHADY LANE EXPERT TREE CARE INC See certificate →
Transparent pricingNot posted
Verified their own listingNot yet confirmed
Founded in CanadaFounded in Canada
3

Any Height Tree Service

Serves Vaughan, Richmond Hill, North York and Toronto

5.0 · 115 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
Inferred from our research — not yet confirmed by the businessNot inferred — ask directly
Visit websiteFull profile →
6/10LEAF Score

Score breakdown

50+ Google reviews115 Google reviews
5+ years in business7 years in business
Employs a Certified Arborist1 ISA Certified Arborist
Isaac Lebovits, Certified Arborist See certificate →
Employs a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification holder1 with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Isaac Lebovits, 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: ANY HEIGHT TREE SERVICES INC. See certificate →
Transparent pricingNot 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 Vaughan

4Gray Matter Forestry ConsultingToronto · 5.0 from 9 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB not confirmed4/105Timberscapes Tree & Plant ServicesGeorgina · 4.9 from 373 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed4/106Ashley's Tree CareToronto · 4.7 from 163 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed4/107Al Miley & AssociatesToronto · 4.8 from 130 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed4/108BigLeaf Tree ServiceMarkham · 4.8 from 117 reviewsNot verified by businessWSIB confirmed4/10See all 22 companies serving Vaughan on the map →
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 cut

Vaughan’s private tree rules

Permit needed across the city

In Vaughan you need a City permit to remove or injure any private tree with a trunk 20 cm or wider, measured about 1.4 m off the ground. Dead, dangerous or ash trees still need a permit, but without the fee or replanting.

Whole city

Permit for trees 20 cm and up

Vaughan's Tree Protection By-law (052-2018) requires a permit to remove or injure a privately owned tree 20 cm or wider. An arborist report is normally required.

Whole city

Dead, hazardous and ash trees

Trees that are dead, terminally diseased, imminently hazardous or ash still need a permit, but no permit fee, arborist report or replacement is charged.

Whole city

Replant 1 to 4 trees

Removing a healthy tree usually means planting replacements: 1 tree for 20–30 cm, 2 for 31–40 cm, 3 for 41–50 cm, and 4 for over 50 cm.

City-owned trees

City trees are protected at any size

All City-owned trees, including boulevard trees, are protected regardless of size. Contact Service Vaughan for pruning, inspection or removal requests.

All of York Region

Woodlands need a Region permit

York Region's Forest Conservation By-law 2013-68 regulates treed areas over 0.2 ha (about half an acre). Get a Region permit before cutting in a woodland.

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 trunk width, measured 1.37 m (about 1.4 m) off the ground (measuring height from third-party source; 20 cm confirmed officially)
Permit fee
2026 (Fees and Charges By-law 051-2026): $270 first tree, $153.25 each additional tree; construction/infill $360.50 first tree, $178.27 each additional. Tree protection securities of $1,000–$3,193 per tree apply for construction.
Replacement trees
1 replacement tree for 20–30 cm, 2 for 31–40 cm, 3 for 41–50 cm, 4 for over 50 cm (per City Tree Protection Protocol 2025). Not required for dead, hazardous or ash trees.
Common exemptions
  • Trees under 20 cm
  • Dead, terminally diseased, imminently hazardous or ash trees are exempt from fees, arborist report and replacement (permit still required)

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 Vaughan (Forestry Permitting and Plan Review)

905-832-2281Official 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 Vaughan

Richmond HillMarkhamAuroraNewmarketBramptonToronto

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.