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Frequently Asked Questions

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Check out these quick answers to some of the most common questions we get from consumers seeking tree care assistance :  

 

This section is constantly developing, to meet the needs of customers in a changing landscape. For the moment, we've added the questions that come up the most frequently. Many of these questions are also addressed in greater depth in our Tree Care Brochures (International Society of Arboriculture). You can consult and download these brochures for free in our « Resource Centre »

 

 

Which schools offer vocational diploma training in tree work?

In Quebec, one can complete a 915 hour diploma program in Tree Pruning at one of four vocational centres in the province. Here is a list of centres offering the program in French : 

 

How much does it cost to have a tree pruned?

The cost of pruning work varies and several factors can influence the price. Hourly rates in tree pruning services tend to vary between 175$ and 225$/hour for a team of 3 workers. The rate can depend on the nature of the work to be performed and the size of the tree. For example, the following elements can directly affect the price: 1- Is the work urgent due to an imminent danger for public security? 2- Is the tree difficult to access? 3- Are there significant obstacles and hazards near the tree? 4- Is it expected that all of the debris must be cleaned up and disposed of? The use of specialized equipment such as a crane, mobile elevated platform or large brush chipper will also have an impact on the cost of these services. Every tree and every site are different. Therefore, it is impossible to give an exact price without visually assessing the work requested and the location where the work will take place. It is important to be mindful of the fact that tree work is a high risk vocation and many specialized work methods, equipment and protective measures are required to insure that the work is performed safely.

Safety standards oblige work teams to have at least two workers trained in aerial rescue procedures. In most cases, a contractor will establish a fixed rate that encompasses the appropriate number of workers, equipment operating costs, transport and waste disposal fees. A contractor will usually attempt to plan their work schedule to serve many clients in the same sector in order to reduce transport costs and offer a competitive and fair price to their client.

The following factors must be considered when determining the hourly rate for services:

  • Does the contractor inspect and maintain their equipment regularly?
  • Does their team work with safe machinery and equipment?
  • Do all employees on the crew possess and use all of the required personal protective equipment (PPE)?
  • Is this equipment inspected frequently and replaced when needed, for the safety of all crew members?
  • Are all crew members covered by CNESST workers' compensation insurance, under the category of "Tree Work"?
  • Are the salaries of all employees declared for taxation purposes?
  • Does the contractor hire workers with the appropriate diploma and training (DEP in Tree work/Diplôme d'études professionnelles en élagage)?
  • Does the contractor possess personal and property damage insurance?

 

All of these factors not only have an impact on the hourly rate of a contractor but they also contribute to safe and responsible business practices. A contractor who pays for the annual inspection of their mobile elevated platforms, who supplies PPE to their employees, who keeps all of their machinery in good working repair, who declares their employee's salaries for taxation purposes and who offers fair salaries and employee benefits to their crews, have higher operating costs than contractors who operate on the black market and who do not possess the appropriate insurance for workers. It is important to check these aspects when hiring a contractor. In some cases, taking on the lowest bidder is not always the safest and most reliable choice.

It is also very important to keep in mind that the client (maître d'oeuvre) is held liable in the case of an accident or damages to adjacent property occuring during the work. It is in the interest of the client to hire a competent and responsible contractor. Always ask for a detailed invoice to document the work that was performed. Getting the terms and conditions of the work in writing is also recommended. An official invoice and a contract will protect consumers in the case of a conflict or misunderstanding.

For more information, consult and download the brochure "Why Hire an Arborist?" in our online "Resource Centre." To consult a list of contractors available for hire in your region, use our online search engine to obtain the list of SIAQ Commercial Members currently serving your area.

who can i contact to have a large tree transplanted?

Several companies offer transplanting services for small and large trees. Nevertheless, the bigger the tree, the more complex and costly this project can become. Often, specialized equipment, preparatory work and follow up care will be required. In most cases, a visual assessment will be necessary in order to determine the feasibility of the project as well as the resources required to ensure the project's success. Use our online search engine to obtain the list of SIAQ Commercial Members specialized in tree transplanting and currently serving your area. 

my tree looks sick; what can i do to save it?

It is impossible to obtain a reliable diagnosis over the phone and unlikely that an email and photograph will reveal the whole story. We do not recommend getting a consultation over email. We strongly encourage clients to hire a consulting arborist to conduct an assessment of the tree on site. Once the tree is assessed, a consulting arborist will be able to provide clients with possible solutions. If they cannot conduct tree work, they may able to refer clients to a specialized company or you may use our online search engine to obtain the list of SIAQ Commercial Members currently serving your area. Our Commercial Members include consultants, tree workers and companies that offer both services so feel free to check out our list.

i am experiencing a conflict with my neighbour over a tree related issue. where can i get advice?

Potential conflicts should be addressed with a respectful and frank discussion between parties. The best course of action is to arrive at an amical agreement between neighbours and it is never a bad idea to get written proof of the agreement. Nevertheless, in some cases this is not possible and at times, these types of conflicts may be brought to court. If a tree-related conflict goes to court, a written report enumerating the damages, risks or proof of harm will be needed to substantiate a claim or defense. A consultant specialized in this field can provide you with information on your rights and obligations as well as recommendations on mitigating the situation. It is impossible to provide this type of advice without assessing the trees on site. You will need to hire the services of a consultant and in some specific cases the professional opinion of a registered professional forester (ingénieur forestier) may be required. Use our online search engine to obtain the list of SIAQ Commercial Members specialized in expertise for courts and currently serving your area.

Legal information regarding Trees and Fences : Éducaloi

 I would like to get an appraisal of the value of a tree. who can appraise my tree?

A landscape tree apparaisal is often necessary to determine the precise value of a tree. These appraisals may be required in cases such as an insurance claim or a court case demanding compensation for damages. Many factors can directly and indirectly affect the value of a tree. Variables such a tree's species, physical condition, health, location on the property and adjacent environment can all influence the appraisal. Therefore, it is impossible to give an exact and informed opinion without visually assessing the tree on site. This type of appraisal cannot be achieved over the phone or by email with a photograph. A landscape tree appraisal is conducted by a competent assessor following a standardized methodology. You will have to seek out the expertise of a specialized consulting arborist or registered professional forester (ingénieur forester) with the appropriate training and experience in this subject. Use our online search engine to obtain the list of SIAQ Commercial Members specialized in landscape tree appraisals and currently serving your area.