Garibaldi Tree FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Need help? Here are our most asked questions. Select a topic below or scroll to find your answer.

Need help with something? Here are our most frequently asked questions. Select a topic below or scroll to find your answer.

Arborist Tree Assessment FAQs

Our costs, what’s included, assessment options and more.

Arborist Tree Assessment FAQs

NEW!

Our costs, what’s included, assessment options and more.

FAQs

General

Business information, payment options, general help and more.

Garibaldi Tree is owned and operated by Paul Duncan, an ISA-certified arborist. You can view Paul’s ISA credentials on treesaregood.org.

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.

Paul also holds the ISA’s TRAQ qualification for Tree Risk Assessments and possesses an honours diploma in horticulture from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

In addition to Paul’s certifications, all of our employees are trained in first aid, chainsaw use and rescue procedures. You can view our team’s certifications on our Insurance & Certifications page.

Yes, we have general and professional liability insurance to protect you and your property from any work-related liabilities. Garibaldi Tree & Landscape is also registered and in good standing with WorkSafeBC.

You can view copies of our insurance and our WCB clearance letter on our Insurance & Certifications page.

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.

To view a copy of our WCB clearance letter, please visit our Insurance & Certifications page.

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.

This question is best answered by booking an arborist tree assessment with our highly experienced arborist, Paul. Please note that we do charge a consultation fee for this service which may be waived if further work is booked upon our recommendations.

To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

So we can provide you with an accurate quote for your project, please start by filling out a quote request form.

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.

If you know you will not be present, please let us know where the trees in question are ahead of time (either on your quote request form or via phone/email). We also ask that you please mark the tree(s) or send us photos, so our arborist can easily identify them.

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.

For more information about assessment fees, please contact us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call!) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

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, as long as you have completed our recommended preparatory tasks (see above), 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.

Have any questions? Reach out to us.

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.

Need more details? Get in touch with our team.

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.

Otherwise, we do not sell wood chips, but deliver them for free to residents and businesses in our area that request them. To request a delivery, please fill out our wood chip order form. Please note that deliveries are supply-dependent.

Also, please note that wood chips are very biologically active, and may not be appropriate for certain applications. Wood chips are also flammable, especially if placed in areas with no irrigation. Please do your research before requesting wood chips for personal use.

Yes, of course! We’d be happy to take care of the technical aspect of your project and can provide a price without the cleanup, at your request. To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

FAQs

Tree Removal

Tree removal costs, professional advice, local bylaws and more.

Since there are many variables associated with estimating tree work, an on-site visit is usually required to provide you with an accurate quote. Once you submit a quote request form, we will contact you within roughly one business day to confirm a date and time for your initial inspection.

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.

To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

A tree removal quote includes the cost of:

Please note that tree stump removal or stump grinding is not included unless a client requests it.

If you would like tree stump removal included your quote, please let us know when you fill out your quote request form.

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:

If you’re unsure as to whether or not your tree should be removed, or if you have questions about caring for your tree, please contact us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call!) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

It can take a couple of hours to half a day or more to remove a tree. Generally speaking, the larger the tree and the larger the degree of site challenges, the longer it will take. Our team has decades of experience and is highly skilled, so we’ll make the process as swift as possible.

We offer tree stump removal or stump grinding as a separate service from tree removal. If you would like your tree’s stump removed please let us know when you fill out your quote request form, and we will include the cost in your quote.

Yes, our services are usually quoted to include post-removal cleanup.

The exception to this is that, to save costs, some of our clients request that we leave the post-removal cleanup to them. If this is something you would like, please let us know when filling out your quote request form.

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.

Otherwise, we deliver wood chips for free to residents and businesses in our area that request them. To request a delivery, please fill out our wood chip order form. Please note that deliveries are supply-dependent.

If there are no requests, we take wood chips to the transfer station, where they are used in soil manufacturing.

Please note that wood chips are very biologically active, and may not be appropriate for certain applications. Wood chips are also flammable, especially if placed in areas with no irrigation. Please do your research before requesting wood chips for personal use.

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.

The RMOW website states that “a permit may be required from the Resort Municipality of Whistler prior to cutting, topping or limbing a tree in Whistler.” Considering that the fine for cutting a tree without the relevant RMOW permission is $1,000 per day until the situation is resolved, it’s important to know where you stand when it comes to removing a tree.

If you hire us for your tree removal project, we can assist you with navigating the regulations prior to any tree cutting.

For more information, please visit whistler.ca or contact the RMOW’s Planning Department by email at planning@whistler.ca or phone at (604) 935-8170.

If the tree is located within the Village of Pemberton boundaries, you will likely need to obtain a Site Alteration Permit. Please visit the Village of Pemberton’s Website for more information.

If the tree is located outside the Village of Pemberton boundaries and is in the SLRD, you may need to obtain a permit before removing it. For more information, please contact the SLRD’s Planning, Development & Building Department.

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.

If you’re located in Whistler or Pemberton and are planning a tree removal project, please reach out to us. Our on-staff ISA-certified arborist, Paul, has over 28 years of experience with the local tree removal bylaws and regulations and is here to help.

FAQs

Tree Trimming

Best practices, property line help, pest problems and more.

Since there are many variables associated with estimating tree work, an on-site visit is usually required to provide you with an accurate quote. Once you submit a quote request form, we will contact you within roughly one business day to confirm a date and time for your initial inspection.

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.

To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

A tree trimming/pruning quote includes the cost of:

If you would like to add any additional tree services to your quote – such as hedge trimming or tree stump removal – please let us know when you fill out your quote request form.
Tree pruning, tree trimming, and tree thinning are all tree maintenance practices, but they have different objectives and methods. These are the key differences:

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.

If you’re located in Whistler or Pemberton, our on-staff ISA-certified arborist, Paul, has nearly three decades of tree care experience and can ensure your project is carried out properly. To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

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:

There are some trees; however, that fare best when trimmed during the late spring or early summer, such as maple or birch trees. For a quick timetable guide to pruning, check out this blog post by Birch Tree Care.

It depends on the species, age and health of the tree. Here are some general guidelines:

As each tree is different, we recommend reaching out to us to determine the best course of action. To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

It can take a couple of hours to half a day to properly prune a group of large trees. Generally speaking, the larger the tree(s) and the larger the degree of site challenges, the longer it will take. Our experienced team is highly skilled and will make the process as swift as possible.

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.

We have nearly three decades of experience in tree trimming and the associated rules and regulations. If you’re located in Whistler, Pemberton, or one of the surrounding areas, reach out to us. We’re here to help.

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.

If you’re located in Whistler or Pemberton and are planning a removal project, please contact us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call!) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

FAQs

Hedge Trimming

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.

Once you submit a quote request form, we will contact you within roughly one business day to confirm a date and time for an initial inspection.

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.

To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

Your hedge trimming quote includes the cost of:

If you would like to add any additional services to your quote – such as tree trimming – please let us know when you fill out your quote request form.

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:

Ready to have your hedges cleaned up? Please fill out a quote request form to get started.

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 find the right time for your specific hedges, get in touch. Our lead arborist has decades of hedge care experience and can help determine the best time for your hedge maintenance.

Maintenance trimming is usually carried out once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for formal ones. However, there are certain hedges which may require three cuts a year.

We can help you determine the best trimming schedule for your hedge. To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

It can take anywhere from 15 minutes to half a day to trim hedges, depending on their condition, species and size. Our experienced team is highly skilled and will make the process as swift as possible.

Yes, we offer comprehensive hedge care and maintenance services, including hedge removal. To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

Yes, we also trim shrubs and small hedges – no job is too big or too small for our team. To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

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.

If you’re located in Whistler or Pemberton and need assistance please contact us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call!) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

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 it’s possible for you, we recommend consulting with an arborist who can perform a soil analysis test to determine the right fertilizer ratio and dosage for your hedge. Alternatively, an at-home soil test can be done with a kit such as West Coast Seeds Rapitest.

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.

To learn more about choosing the right fertilizer, check out Lowe’s Fertilizer Buying Guide, or the article, “Fertilizer Basics” by Gardeners Supply Company.

For more detailed fertilizer info, check out the article, “Fertilizer – Selecting The Right NPK Ratio” by Garden Fundamentals.

Close-up of Paul Duncan, the lead arborist and owner of Garibaldi Tree. Paul is smiling and wearing a yellow arborist helmet.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Get in touch. Our lead arborist, Paul, is here to help.

FAQs

Tree Stump Removal

Best removal methods, costs, recommendations 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.

To receive a quote, please start by filling out a quote request form. Once we receive your submission, we will contact you within roughly one business day to confirm the date and time of your initial inspection.

After your initial inspection, you will receive your quote, sent via email, within roughly one business day.

If you are considering Garibaldi Tree for tree removal and would like to take advantage of our stump grinding services, please let us know on your quote request form, and we will include the cost of stump grinding in your quote.

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:

Ready to break ground on your stump grinding project today? Please fill out a quote request form, and we’ll be in touch within roughly one business day.

We remove tree stumps with a Vermeer stump grinder. For smaller jobs, stump grinding tends to be the most efficient, least expensive and least intrusive method of professional stump removal.

For smaller jobs, the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump professionally is stump grinding. Other methods of stump removal, such as chemical stump removal, excavation, and digging require more time and manpower.
Stump grinding is the cheapest way to get rid of a tree stump professionally, as it is the least labour-intensive and requires less equipment than other methods.

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.

The upside of this method is that afterwards you’re left with a clean slate open to any new ideas you may have for your landscape. To have a tree stump removed in this way, the tree owner would have to contact an excavating company. Please reach out to us if you would like to inquire about our recommendations.

The process of stump grinding is when a tree service professional grinds a tree stump down using specialized equipment, called a stump grinder. The grinding is done “below grade,” meaning all visible parts of the stump and any exposed roots are turned to mulch a few inches deep. Stump grinding is a much more efficient, less intensive and less intrusive method than excavation.

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.

To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

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:

For more planting information specific to your landscaping plans, please get in touch with us. We can help you determine the best course of action for your project.

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.

For landscape assistance or questions, please contact us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call!) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

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:

Our certified arborist can assess your tree stump and property, and provide you with the right recommendations for your landscape. To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

Yes, you can rent a stump grinder, but we do not recommend it. As with most heavy, powerful, and specialized equipment, the chance of injury is high.

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.

To get started, please fill out a quote request form.

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.

For recommendations specific to your situation, please reach out to us. Our team of tree care professionals is here to help.

It can take up to ten years or more for a stump to rot if you leave it in your yard.

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.

FAQs

Lot Clearing

The arborist advantage, permits, our experience and more.

The cost of lot clearing depends on a variety of factors including:

Since the cost of lot clearing varies, an initial on-site visit is required to provide you with an accurate quote.

To get started, please fill out a quote request form. Once we receive your submission, we will contact you within roughly one business day to confirm a date and time for your initial inspection.

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:

Other services, such as ongoing tree management plans, can also be added. Please let us know if you’re interested in other services when you fill out your quote request form.

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:

In short, working with an arborist on a lot-clearing project can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches while ensuring that your property is cleared in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner. To get started, please fill out a quote request form, or contact us for more information.

Garibaldi Tree has extensive experience working on residential and small commercial lot-clearing projects in the Whistler area. For more information, or to find out if we are the right fit for your lot-clearing project, please contact us.

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.

If your lot is in the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), you can contact the RMOW’s planning department by email at planning@whistler.ca or by phone at (604) 935-8170. For more information about lot clearing in Whistler, please visit the RMOW website’s “Planning” page.

If your lot is in the Village of Pemberton, we recommend contacting the Manager of Development Services, Scott McRae, by email at smcrae@pemberton.ca or by phone at (604) 894-6135 (extension 234). For more information about development in Pemberton, please visit the Village of Pemberton website’s “Development Services” page.

Our lead arborist, Paul, has decades of experience navigating lot-clearing bylaws and permits and can help ensure you comply with local laws and regulations. To get started on your lot-clearing project, please fill out a quote request form or contact us for more information.

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.

We recommend contacting us early in the design phase of your project so that we can provide you and your other contractors with the best timeline for your project.

FAQs

Tree Risk Assessments

Our assessment options, ISA certification, 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.

Our lead arborist, Paul, will work closely with you to find the best solution for your goals, needs and budget. To get started on a tree risk assessment today, please fill out a quote request form or contact us.

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.

It’s important to note that arborists who conduct tree risk assessments should have (and be willing to show you) their ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), which includes specialized training in assessing trees and the associated equipment.

Our tree risk assessor, Paul, holds the TRAQ certification and has over 28 years of professional experience. You can view his credentials on treesaregood.org.

We offer three levels of assessment to choose from:

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.

Unsure as to which level of assessment is right for you? Please contact us for assistance. Our experienced team is here to help.

A tree risk assessment arms you with valuable information and recommendations that can:

To get started, please fill out a quote request form, or contact us for more information.
Our main tree risk assessment clients are property managers in Whistler and Pemberton who require certified evaluations to protect their property or strata and its tenants.

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.

Unsure as to whether or not you need a tree risk assessment? Please reach out to us.

Our tree risk assessments are performed by Paul, the owner of Garibaldi Tree, and an ISA-certified arborist who holds the ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). You can view Paul’s ISA credentials on treesaregood.org.

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.

ISA certification refers to the certification programs given by the International Society of Arboriculture, a globally recognized organization dedicated to promoting the professional practice of arboriculture.

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.

Currently, we have one ISA-certified arborist on staff. You can view his qualifications, and our team’s qualifications, on our Insurance & Certifications page.
Level 1 assessments are usually conducted within one week of receiving the request and may not require an initial inspection.
Level 2 and 3 assessments require an initial inspection. After, evaluations are scheduled during our assessor’s next availability. Wait times vary depending on the time of the year and our workload, with early spring and winter offering shorter wait times.

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.

We recommend reaching out to us, or filling out a quote request form, as soon as possible to ensure we can complete your assessment within your requested timeframe.

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:

FAQs

Tree Management Plans

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.

To find a solution for your budget, please reach out to us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call!) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

A tree management plan is a customized, long-term plan that provides guidance concerning the responsible management of trees for a given property or location.

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.

Tree management plans can also be developed with the goal of FireSmarting a property, outlining an arborist’s recommendations for ensuring the safety of the property and surrounding structures. For more information about FireSmart in B.C., please visit the FireSmartBC website.

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.

We will work closely with you to find the best solution for your goals, needs and budget. To get started on a tree management plan today, please fill out a quote request form or contact us.

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:

Not sure if a tree management plan is right for you or your business? Reach out to us. We can provide custom recommendations based on your needs, goals and budget. 

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:

If you’re unsure as to whether a tree management plan is right for you and your business, please reach out to us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call!) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Our tree management plans are created by Paul, the owner of Garibaldi Tree, and an ISA-certified arborist who holds the ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). You can view Paul’s ISA credentials on treesaregood.org.

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.

ISA certified refers to the certification programs given by the International Society of Arboriculture, a globally recognized organization dedicated to promoting the professional practice of arboriculture. The most well-known and widely recognized ISA certification is the “ISA Certified Arborist” designation.

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.

Our ISA-certified arborist, Paul, has held his certification for over 28 years. You can view Paul’s ISA credentials on treesaregood.org.

After we receive your quote request, we book you in for an initial inspection so our arborist can get a general idea of your property, goals and needs.

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.

We recommend reaching out to us, or filling out a quote request form, at the start of the calendar year to ensure we can complete your evaluation and plan within your requested timeframe.

FAQs

Arborist Tree Assessments

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 a quick note assessment is based on the size of your property and the number of trees involved. Depending on these factors, the fee for a quick note assessment may be waived. The fee may also be waived if you choose to book Garibaldi Tree for any recommended tree work.

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.

If you’re unsure as to which option is best suited to your needs and budget, please contact us. You can get in touch via email at info@garibalditree.ca, text (or call) us at (604) 905-8115, or fill out a quote request form. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

An arborist tree assessment includes:

If you choose an arborist report assessment, you will also receive a written report with recommendations and strategies.

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.

Please note that this type of assessment should not be relied upon as a tree risk assessment, which considers a greater analysis of a property and its trees. If you’re looking for a more thorough assessment of your tree’s health, a tree risk assessment may be a better option.

If you’re a property manager, developer or strata owner looking for a long-term plan or multiple assessments, a tree management plan may be a better option.

If you need help figuring out which route is best for you, reach out to us. We’re here to help.
We offer three different types of arborist consults or assessments: arborist tree assessments, tree risk assessments and tree management plans.

A tree management plan is a long-term plan based on ongoing evaluations outlining recommendations for tree risk mitigation, maintenance, retention or removal. 

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.

A tree risk assessment is used to identify, analyze and evaluate tree risk. We assess a variety of factors including soil conditions, wind exposure, the overall health of the tree, and more. You then receive a report describing the results of the assessment, along with recommendations for risk mitigation and a timeframe for re-evaluation. 

An arborist tree assessment is a one-time evaluation of a property’s trees and vegetation, resulting in a list of custom recommendations and strategies. Arborist tree assessments are geared toward those who have minimal landscaping or tree care experience. They’re also a great option for folks who simply want a professional’s opinion on how to care for their trees and plants.

Our arborist consults are conducted by Paul, the owner of Garibaldi Tree, and an ISA-certified arborist who holds the ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). You can view Paul’s ISA credentials on treesaregood.org.

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 know you will not be on-site for the assessment, please provide us with the following details beforehand, either on your quote request form or via email.

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.

Depending on the size of your property, the onsite assessment can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a full day.

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.

Still have questions?

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us.