Need help? Here are our most asked questions. Select a topic below or scroll to find your answer.
Need help? Here are our most asked questions. Select a topic below or scroll to find your answer.
Business, payment options, general help and more.
Tree removal costs, expert advice, local bylaws and more.
Best practices, property line help, pest problems and more.
Tips and tricks, scheduling, shrubs, fertilizers and more.
Best removal methods, costs, professional advice and more.
The arborist advantage, permits, our projects and more.
Assessment options, ISA certification, clients and more.
Definitions, our qualifications, property managers and more.
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Our costs, what’s included, assessment options and more.
Business information, payment options, general help and more.
An ISA-certified arborist is a highly-trained arborist who has undergone testing in most aspects of arboriculture. They must also adhere to a code of ethics that ensures ethical behaviour to clients, employers, employees, and the public as well as ISA and the profession.
Please note that tree companies that don’t offer these assurances may leave you exposed and liable for injuries and damages that occur on your property.
Yes, Garibaldi Tree carries workers’ compensation for all our employees. We also follow recognized safety procedures to foster a safe work environment.
We accept cheques, e-transfer and credit card payments. Once our services are complete and you are 100% happy, you will receive an invoice via email with clear instructions on how to conveniently pay.
Once we receive your submission, we will then contact you within roughly one business day to confirm the date and time of your quotation. If you approve your quote, your project will then be booked and queued in our schedule.
Please note that the demand for our services fluctuates throughout the year, so wait times for booked services can vary. Generally, in the spring and fall you can expect to wait a few weeks from the time of booking. During high summer (July and August), wait times are often less.
We will communicate timelines with you and do our best to meet your needs if you have specific timeframe requirements.
No, you do not have to be at home/on-site for an initial inspection.
On the day of your initial inspection, please also make sure we can access the site (unlock any gates, etc.).
If you are not present for your initial inspection, we will send you an email letting you know we visited your property, along with a quote for the tree work within roughly one business day. If further dialogue is needed, you will receive a follow-up call. Once you approve the quote, we will put your job on our schedule.
Quotes for tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, hedge trimming, stump grinding and lot-clearing projects are free.
If you need a tree risk assessment, tree management plan or an arborist tree assessment, the fee will vary depending on the scope of work. We will always inform you of fees beforehand and will never proceed without your approval.
It’s necessary to carefully review the details when it comes to the level of service you can expect with any given quote. Often, companies offering lower prices may be cutting corners on liability, insurance, or training. Consider whether the company you are hiring has the proper experience, insurance, credentials, equipment and expertise to provide high-quality, safe services.
Garibaldi Tree aims to provide detailed, accurate quotes that offer fair pricing to match the quality of service we offer. We have properly trained and certified staff with decades of experience in the field. Our services are trusted by a range of local clients in Whistler and Pemberton from businesses to homeowners and property managers. We aim to consistently exceed all of our client’s expectations with efficient, safe, first-rate services.
That’s a great question! Please use the steps below as a checklist to ensure our team can provide you with swift and efficient service.
Generally no, you do not need to be at home/on-site.
However, if view work is being carried out, having access to the view site lines from the home is usually required. An agent, owner, or access to the house may be needed to get the job done to perfection.
It depends on what services you’ve hired us for. At the minimum, we will require parking for our arborist truck and chipper on or near your property. This could be in a driveway, yard, or on the street. One to three members of our crew will also need parking for their vehicles. The closer we can park to your property, the better.
You will be informed ahead of time if there will be specialized equipment, such as cranes or stump grinders, brought onto your property. In any case, we always take the utmost care of our client’s properties and all our equipment is operated by trained staff.
It depends on the job. If you’re having your trees pruned or trimmed, it can take a couple of hours to half a day. If you’re having trees removed, it may take longer.
Our team has decades of tree work experience and will make the process as swift as possible for you.
Yes, if you’ve had a tree removed by us and would like to keep the wood chips, please let us know and we’d be happy to leave them on your property.
Tree removal costs, expert advice, local bylaws and more.
Some factors that may influence your tree removal quote are:
After your initial inspection, you will receive your quote, sent via email, within roughly one business day.
A tree removal quote includes the cost of:
In some cases, no, tree removal is not necessary. But, there are some circumstances in which tree removal is required for the safety and well-being of people, structures, wildlife and other plants. These cases include:
Yes, our services are usually quoted to include post-removal cleanup.
If you would like to use the wood chips from your tree removal project, please let us know, and we’d be happy to leave them on your property.
If there are no requests, we take wood chips to the transfer station, where they are used in soil manufacturing.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has several approaches to regulating tree removal within Whistler boundaries including a tree-cutting bylaw, development permit areas and provincial regulations.
If you hire us for your tree removal project, we can assist you with navigating the regulations prior to any tree cutting.
Tree-cutting regulations in B.C. vary depending on multiple factors, including the location of the tree, its species and the local municipal bylaws. You may or may not need a permit to cut down a tree on private property, depending on the following considerations:
We recommend contacting your local municipality or regional district to inquire about the specific regulations and permit requirements for tree cutting in your area. Consulting with an arborist can also provide valuable guidance on navigating tree removal regulations.
Best practices, property line help, pest problems and more.
Some factors that may influence your tree trimming quote are:
After your initial inspection, you will receive your quote, sent via email, within roughly one business day.
A tree trimming/pruning quote includes the cost of:
The choice between these maintenance practices depends on your specific goals and needs. We recommend consulting with an ISA-certified arborist to determine the most appropriate approach for your situation.
Determining whether your trees need trimming and/or pruning depends on several factors, including the type of trees you have, their age, their condition, and your specific goals or concerns. Here are some general guidelines to help you assess whether your trees require trimming and/or pruning:
To determine whether your trees need trimming and/or pruning and to what extent, we recommend consulting with an arborist. They can assess the specific needs of your trees, provide advice, and perform the necessary work if required.
Keep in mind that improper pruning or trimming can harm a tree, so it’s essential to have the work done by knowledgeable individuals who follow best practices for tree care.
Trimming a tree yourself can be appropriate for very small, low-risk jobs such as removing small dead branches or shaping ornamental trees. But for larger or more complex jobs, especially those involving heavy branches or trees near structures or power lines, we recommend hiring a professional. Here are some factors to consider:
In short, it’s often best to consult with a certified arborist or tree care professional, especially for larger or complex trimming jobs. They can ensure that the tree is trimmed correctly and in a way that promotes its long-term health and safety.
The amount you can cut without killing the tree depends on several factors, such as the tree’s species, age, and health. Trees are resilient and can tolerate some degree of cutting, but there are general guidelines to follow to avoid harming them:
In short, while trees can withstand some degree of pruning or cutting, it’s important to be cautious and adhere to proper pruning practices.
The specific limits for each tree will vary, so consulting with a professional is often the best approach to ensure the tree’s health and longevity. They can properly assess the tree’s condition, recommend appropriate pruning practices, and ensure that the tree remains healthy.
Generally, the best time to prune trees is during the cooler months. We recommend our clients book in at the start of our season (February or March) or at the end of our season (October or November) for tree pruning. This is because:
It depends on the species, age and health of the tree. Here are some general guidelines:
Yes, in general, you can trim back overhanging branches that cross the property line into your property. However, we highly recommend you discuss this with your neighbour before planning any tree work.
There are three main points to remember when dealing with trees on an adjacent private property:
It is best that you and your neighbour come to an agreement concerning the overhanging branches. It’s important to keep in mind that should you harm the tree, you could be found liable for up to three times its value. The safest way to avoid potential fines or costs associated with tree damage is to involve an arborist from start to finish.
Yes, pruning the trees back from your house will reduce the squirrels’ capability to access your roof, and so reduce their access points. Pruning back overhanging trees will also reduce access for other nuisance pests and wildlife such as carpenter ants, stink bugs and cluster flies.
A few other reasons you may want to consider pruning the trees back from your roof include:
Overall, tree limbs hanging over your house are a threat to your rooftop and home. We recommend consulting with a certified and insured arborist to remove the limbs.
No, you should generally not use pruning sealers after pruning your trees.
Tree pruning sealers obstruct a tree’s natural healing power and make it harder for the tree to recover. Pruning sealers may also trap moisture in the tree, which can encourage wood decay or fungi.
The regulations regarding tree cutting in B.C. vary depending on multiple factors, including the location of the tree, its species and the local municipal bylaws. In many cases, you do not need a permit to cut a tree on private property, but there are exceptions and important considerations, such as:
We recommend contacting your local municipality or regional district to inquire about the specific regulations and permit requirements for tree cutting in your area. Consulting with an arborist can also provide valuable guidance on navigating tree removal regulations.
Tips and tricks, scheduling, shrubs, fertilizers and more.
Hedges vary in size, type and location, so the cost of hedge trimming varies from project to project. Because of this, an initial on-site visit is required to provide you with an accurate quote.
Some factors that may influence your hedge-trimming quote are:
After your initial inspection, you will receive your quote, sent via email, within roughly one business day.
Your hedge trimming quote includes the cost of:
Well-maintained hedges can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. They also offer a natural barrier that provides privacy, reduces wind and attracts wildlife. Additional benefits of having your hedge(s) trimmed include:
The best time for hedge trimming varies depending on the species, health and location of the hedge. Generally, we advise our clients to book in at the start of our season in March or April, or near the end of our season in October. This is because:
We don’t recommend having hedges trimmed during the middle of the summer.
To retain their beauty and health, shrubs and hedges require a fair share of skilled maintenance. Trimming your own is sort of like cutting your hair; you can do it yourself, but it’s often best left to the professionals, especially if the job is complicated.
If you choose to trim your shrub or hedge, here are some general tips and guidelines:
If you have larger or more complex hedges, or if you’re unsure about the best approach, we highly recommend consulting with an arborist.
Yes, you can cut too much off a hedge, and doing so can severely harm the hedge’s health and appearance. To avoid cutting too much, we recommend:
If you’re unsure about how much to trim or if your hedge requires significant work, we highly recommend consulting with an arborist.
Yes, you can overwater a hedge, just as you can overwater any type of plant. Overwatering can be detrimental to hedges and may lead to a range of issues, including root rot, reduced oxygen availability in the soil, and poor overall plant health. To avoid overwatering your hedge:
Remember that overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering, so it’s crucial to strike a balance and provide your hedge with the right amount of water to keep it healthy and thriving.
The best fertilizer for hedges depends on factors such as the type of hedge, the soil type, the age of the hedge, and any specific nutrient deficiencies.
If you’re ready to get fertilizing, here are two different options we recommend:
Many organic fertilizers contain animal ingredients such as bone meal, blood meal, or animal manure. This organic fertilizer mixed in B.C. has no animal products of any kind. Composed of alfalfa, soya bean meal, kelp, and sunflower hull ash, it’s a great choice for plant owners who want a vegan option.
Fertilizer ingestion is a common problem with wildlife and pets. While small ingestions may only result in stomach upset, larger ingestions can be fatal. Fertilizer spikes are a great option for reducing the likelihood of animal poisoning and for ease of use. They are inserted into the soil, providing nutrition directly to the roots without any wasteful runoff, messes or smells.
Get in touch. Our lead arborist, Paul, is here to help.
Best removal methods, costs, professional advice and more.
The cost of tree stump removal with a grinder depends on the size, species and location of the stump, with size being the most influential variable. Since the cost of stump removal varies, an initial on-site visit is required to provide you with an accurate quote.
After your initial inspection, you will receive your quote, sent via email, within roughly one business day.
Your stump removal quote includes the cost of:
No, it’s not necessary to remove a tree stump, but there are many notable benefits, including:
There are two main methods for removing a tree stump: excavation and stump grinding, both of which come with their pros and cons. Choosing which route is best for your property mostly depends on the plans you have for your landscape.
With excavation, the entire tree stump and root ball are completely removed from the ground. A hole is left behind and, depending on the size of the tree the stump came from, it can be very large.
Unsure of which method is right for you? Our certified arborist can assess your landscape, take your future plans into account, and provide you with personalized recommendations.
No, stump grinding does not remove the tree’s root system. While some surface-level roots will be ground out, a tree’s root system is too vast and deep to grind out entirely.
Our stump grinder can grind about six to ten inches below ground. This means there will still be below-ground tree parts, invisible to the eye, which will naturally decay over time.
Grass and small plants can be planted in the site roughly one to two months after grinding the stump, or sooner if the area is supplemented with new soil.
Planting medium to large plants or trees is generally not recommended for at least one year after grinding. But again, if the area is supplemented with new soil, planting can be carried out sooner.
Two pieces of important information to note if you plan on planting shortly after stump grinding:
Yes, you can build or pave over the area where a stump was ground out, but we recommend waiting some time.
The amount of time will vary depending on the size, species and location of the stump, as well as the type of building or paving project. As a very rough guide, the amount of time we recommend can be anywhere between one to eight years.
This is because stump grinding does not remove the parts of the tree that are beyond six to ten inches below ground, so there will still be organic material, somewhat close to the surface, decomposing over time.
If you hope to get started on construction right away, we recommend hiring an excavation company. You’ll want to make sure they remove all parts of the tree stump and its roots. Afterwards, you’ll want to fill the hole with native soil (not bagged potting soil) or with the appropriate subgrade material for load-bearing construction, and then compact the soil to the level required for construction.
Most easily-accessible trees that are removed can also have their stumps ground out. But yes, there are situations where stump grinding may be difficult or impossible, including:
Also, stump grinders that are available for rent by homeowners or DIY-ers will be smaller and less powerful than those used by professionals, providing less than optimal results.
Here are a few other reasons why we don’t recommend renting a stump grinder:
If you compare what you’ll need to do against the time and cost of having your stump professionally removed, you may find that the professional option is the better choice.
Garibaldi Tree’s trained crew is experienced and efficient, and we’ll take care of all the hard work and cleanup for you. We also carry general and professional liability insurance, ensuring you and your property are protected against damages.
For one tree stump, the removal process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the stump’s size, species and location. Our team is highly experienced and will make the process as swift as possible for you.
Once we’ve ground out the stump, there will be a hole left over. We can fill this hole with the mulch left from the stump or we can leave it for you to cover up, so you can use the mulch elsewhere (or we can dispose of the mulch for you).
We can also discuss other customized options to help you with a smooth landscape transition. Please let us know what you’d prefer, and our team will be happy to assist you.
Of course, we’d be happy to leave the mulch for you to use. Just let us know.
It depends; to safely remove a stump without damaging surrounding structures or hardscaping, our stump grinder will need at least two inches of additional space around the stump.
If the tree was potted directly in the sidewalk, it may not be possible to grind it out without removing the concrete.
We don’t recommend leaving a stump to rot for multiple reasons, one of which is that over time the rotten stump may attract pests, such as carpenter ants, termites, and other wood-boring insects.
These pests put nearby healthy trees and shrubs at risk of infestation and disease, and may even cause costly structural damage to parts of your home.
The arborist advantage, permits, our projects and more.
Since the cost of lot clearing varies, an initial on-site visit is required to provide you with an accurate quote.
After your initial inspection, you will receive your quote, sent via email, within roughly one business day.
Lot-clearing quotes typically include the cost of:
Working with an arborist on a lot-clearing project can provide several benefits and help ensure that your project is carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations.
Here are some of the main reasons we recommend working with an arborist on a lot-clearing project:
Yes, in B.C., you generally need a permit for lot clearing. The specific permit(s) required will depend on various factors, including the lot’s location, the size of the lot, local zoning regulations and environmental considerations.
We highly recommend consulting with your municipal planning department, and potentially a local arborist to ensure you meet all the necessary regulations.
The equipment we use to clear a lot depends on the project. Generally, we use our typical equipment – chainsaws, a wood chipper, and climbing equipment. For larger, more complicated projects, we may also use a crane, or excavator assistance to process brush and stack logs for removal.
The timeline of a lot-clearing project depends on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the property, how heavily and densely forested it is, the number of trees that need to be removed, and more.
Assessment options, ISA certification, our clients and more.
The cost of a tree risk assessment varies depending on the level of assessment, the number of trees involved and the location.
A tree risk assessment is a systemic process used to identify, analyze and evaluate tree risk.
During a tree risk assessment, an arborist will identify and examine a variety of factors, including site conditions, targets, tree health and more. Depending on the level of assessment, the arborist may also perform tests using specialized equipment.
The arborist will then analyze the data they have collected according to a matrix that takes into account the danger of the tree (or tree part) failing, the likelihood of it hitting something if it does, and the amount of damage it might do. Finally, taking into consideration the client’s risk tolerance, they will provide their mitigation or removal recommendations.
Tree risk assessments are recommended for homeowners, businesses, property managers, and local governments. In particular, tree risk assessments are strongly recommended for anyone who owns a property with lots of trees, especially if there will be traffic around the property.
Level 1: Limited Visual Assessment. We identify high and extreme-risk trees by walking or driving around an area. Intended for covering large areas with smaller amounts of detail, or for identifying areas or certain trees that may need to have level 2 or 3 assessments conducted. Recommended as a starting point for property managers, homeowners, and businesses with larger properties and/or no specific target trees.
Level 2: Basic Assessment. A more in-depth evaluation. Includes using specialized equipment to evaluate the tree. Based on these evaluations, we can determine if some aspect of the tree’s structure and health indicates that a more comprehensive test is needed. Regardless of whether more testing is required, trees are then presented in a report with observations, results, and recommendations.
Level 3: Advanced Assessment. A comprehensive evaluation of the roots, stem, or crown of a tree. These assessments may include climbing inspections, examination of the root system using a compressed-air tool and other tests. As with level 2 assessments, the results are then presented in a report.
A tree risk assessment arms you with valuable information and recommendations that can:
Tree risk assessments are also frequently used by homeowners, businesses, and local governments. We recommend tree risk assessments to anyone who owns a property with lots of trees, especially if there is traffic around the property.
Paul has been performing tree risk assessments for over 28 years and is trusted by the locals of Whistler and Pemberton to provide accurate, knowledgeable evaluations.
The most well-known and widely recognized ISA certification is the “ISA Certified Arborist” designation. To become an ISA-certified arborist, you must:
ISA certification is highly regarded in the arboriculture industry. It signifies a commitment to the highest standards of tree care and a dedication to ongoing professional development and ethical practices in the field.
After the evaluation is conducted, you can expect to receive your tree risk assessment report, via email, within the agreed-upon timeframe. You can also request a physical copy be sent via mail, or dropped off at your residence or business.
After the field and administrative work is complete, you will receive your report, via email, within the agreed-upon timeframe. If you requested a physical copy as well, it will be delivered to the specified address.
Garibaldi Tree will then be available for any mitigation, maintenance, or removal services recommended in your report. These could include any of the following, as well as other services:
Definitions, our qualifications, property managers and more.
The cost of a tree management plan varies depending on a client’s needs, goals, and the scope of the plan.
Based on an assessment by an ISA-certified arborist, a tree management plan may include recommendations for tree maintenance and fertilization, retention or removal, risk mitigation, tree planting, and even wildlife habitat retention.
Tree management plans are often required by municipalities for developers looking to develop a piece of land that has trees within the building envelope and/or that will be affected by the building process.
In short, tree management plans are highly customizable arboriculture plans tailored to the goals and needs of the client. They may provide yearly recommendations over a period of two to five years, or they may be customized to shorter or longer time frames, as necessary.
A tree management plan is a valuable tool for individuals, organizations, and communities that have responsibility for or an interest in the health, safety, and preservation of trees. We create tree management plans for a range of clients, including:
A tree management plan is highly recommended for property managers in Whistler or Pemberton, especially if the property overseen has plenty of trees. Here are some reasons why:
Paul has been performing tree assessments for over 28 years and is trusted by the locals of Whistler and Pemberton to provide accurate, knowledgeable evaluations.
If you’re planning on having professional tree work done, we recommend choosing a company with at least one arborist on staff with this designation. This is because to become an ISA-certified arborist an individual must meet specific requirements, go through rigorous training, and adhere to a code of ethics.
After the initial inspection, your evaluation is scheduled at our assessor’s next availability. Depending on the size of the property, the requirements of the assessment, and the time of the year, there may be a considerable wait time. You can expect to wait longer if you’ve reached out to us during the busier portions of our season – springtime and early fall.
Once the evaluation is complete, you’ll receive your tree management plan within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Our costs, what’s included, assessment options and more.
We have two different pricing options for arborist tree assessments: quick note assessments and arborist report assessments.
The cost of an arborist report assessment is also based on the size of your property and the number of trees involved. However, there is an additional cost for the written documentation. We inform you of the specific costs ahead of time and do not proceed without your approval.
An arborist tree assessment includes:
If you don’t know the types of plants or trees on your property or if you don’t have the time to figure it out, arborist tree assessments are a great option for you. They’re designed for property owners with minimal landscaping or tree care experience.
We’ll give you expert advice tailored to your goals and needs, so your trees and plants can thrive. We’ll also let you know of any issues, such as defects, health concerns, or pests and diseases. And, we’ll provide you with a course of action for mitigating those problems.
You won’t have to spend hours researching how-to’s or different tree care companies, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your trees have been properly inspected by a certified arborist.
Tree management plans are generally required for developers looking to develop a piece of land that has trees within the building envelope and/or that will be affected by the building process. These plans may also benefit property managers, strata owners and homeowners who have trees on their property.
Paul has been performing tree assessments for over 28 years and is trusted by the locals of Whistler and Pemberton to provide accurate, knowledgeable evaluations.
If you can provide us with access to your property and have given us details about your goals and needs, you do not have to be at home/on-site during the assessment. However, we do find that clients often prefer to be present for this process to share input with our arborist in real-time.
If you are not on-site for the assessment, we will send you an email afterwards letting you know we visited your property. If further dialogue is needed, you will receive a follow-up call.
For quick note assessments, recommendations will be sent roughly one to three business days after the on-site evaluation.
For arborist report assessments, recommendations and strategies will be sent electronically or delivered as a hardcopy within an agreed upon timeframe.
After receiving your recommendations, we will be available to answer any questions that you may have. Then, if you choose to work further with Garibaldi Tree, we will be available for any of the tree risk mitigation, maintenance, or removal services recommended.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us.
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Garibaldi Tree is a well-established tree company servicing Whistler, Pemberton and the surrounding areas. We provide professional tree services and consulting.
Garibaldi Tree is a well-established tree company servicing Whistler and Pemberton. We provide professional tree services and consulting.
Garibaldi Tree offers professional tree services and consulting in Whistler and Pemberton.
