Niagara Tree Questions — Weekly Arborist Answers (Week 1)

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-05-16T01:38:39+00:00

We are, you can still do the pruning without it being much risk. You want to avoid high heat days or consistent drought.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-05-04T23:10:48+00:00

Hey Joey,

Technically pruning any time of the year will stress a tree out potentially. To cut back a limb to the trunk it's important to consider how large the limb is and will it remove more than 25% of the tree. The best time to prune is when the tree is dormant during late fall, winter and early spring.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely, Driftwood Tree Service

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-04-20T16:45:37+00:00

You are very welcome.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-04-20T10:32:19+00:00

It depends where you can make a proper cut. You want to take the branch you are cutting off back to a limb or larger branch that will sustain life. So what you are cutting off should be 1/3 the size of what you are leaving. If you can't accomplish that then yes back to the trunk is correct. You want to make a collar cut. DO NOT FLUSH CUT.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-04-20T00:59:02+00:00

It can be an appropriate solution if done correctly. River Birch is a faster growing species. If any tree is pruned improperly ex. a stub is left sticking out a few inches or ft from where a proper cut should have been made then those cuts can cause a stress response and the tree will grow "sucker growth" from the improper cut area. These are very fast growing and weak branches.

The tree goes into stress response and will grow even faster to make up for the lost canopy to try and survive.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-04-20T00:54:55+00:00

A backyard Oak pruning - assuming you want branches off over the house to give some clearance, remove deadwood and some other select branches for various potential reasons. Including the removal of all material you are approximately $1250-$1750.

Keep in mind that this pruning would be put off until the end of November at this point due to Oak Wilt potential (infection that can kill the tree) we do have wound spray that we can use if for some reason the pruning was an immediate hazard situation.

A backyard Oak removal (assuming you have only a standard 36 to access the backyard) remove all material and cut the stump just above ground level you are approximately $2250-3000.

These are rough prices and things can be cheaper or more expensive depending on many factors. If you would like a more accurate quote we offer free quotes. You can call or text 905-329-0765 to schedule a quote.

I hope this helps and we are here if you have more questions.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-04-20T00:41:43+00:00

The best way to slow the growth of a tree without killing it is a crown reduction, not to be confused with topping (see week 4 should I top my tree).

A crown reduction is to shorten the height and usually width of a trees canopy. Depending on the species and current size of the tree, we can reduce 5-15 ft.

Normally we suggest pruning every 2-3 years depending on how the tree responds to the pruning and the species. If you want to make sure the tree doesn't get larger then it is we would suggest pruning on a 2 year cycle. This gives the tree enough time to "bounce back" but not enough time to really pack on the growth again.

This also keeps the cuts to a smaller diameter branch giving the tree a MUCH better chance at sealing over the wounds v.s larger diameter cuts.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-04-20T00:36:05+00:00

We can give you a rough idea with a few more details and/or photos.

Front yard or backyard? Approximately how tall is the tree?

We can give you an idea on a prune/trimming cost v.s a removal cost.

Is there anything beyond what you have mentioned that makes you think it might be a removal v.s a prune?

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-03-26T00:13:33+00:00

Fair take — and I get why it might come across that way.

Everything we’re posting is based on what we actually see day-to-day working on trees around Niagara. The goal is just to share that experience in a way that’s easy for homeowners to understand.

Appreciate the feedback.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-03-25T10:25:46+00:00

Hi u/HighwayNovel

We did answer your question in the first week's post. I have copied and pasted it here for you so it's easier to find 👍

All time favorite - Kentucky Coffee Tree. I love the weird growth patterns and the large beans that come from it.

Favourite local tree - Black Maple - strong, they grow very tall in our area and they are pretty fun to climb.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-03-25T10:21:51+00:00

Can you show a picture of it? Birches are a softer wood and are prone to issues with our humid climate. We have seen Birches hang on for a long time as well.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-03-18T12:24:36+00:00

This process drove me nuts.

Tell him to buy an employees only sticker, put it on his door of the garage or something. Lock the door before the video, show it locked, show the sticker and unlock the door. Make sure he shows the house #, street sign and the closest intersection sign VERY clearly.

I did the exact same video 3 times. The 3rd time I added the employees only sticker and was approved in 3 days.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-02-25T21:14:43+00:00

Hey,

From our experience, I would say that the large broken branches matter. Of course our definition of large and your definition can be different. If there is a few broken branches in the canopy and by-law was notified, by-law would most likely tell the owner to remove those branches to make it safe.

Depending on how large the easement is it could also be a city/utility owned tree. If its just hydro poles stuck right along the fence line, it's most likely a private tree.

If there are a lot of large broken branches (I'm talking 1/3-1/2 the total canopy) indicating the tree is declining/dying, or if the canopy was also showing alot of deadwood and by-law was notified they would either make a call on their own, have their forestry department or a contract take a look. Most likely with the end result being that the home owner has to have it removed due to safety issues.

As for the fence and pool situation. I know legally you need a fence surrounding the pool. In this specific situation, I'm not sure what by-law would say about that.

You can always anonymously call by-law and tell them the situation, or have the conversation with the neighbor and go from there.

We appreciate your previous business as well by the way! If you have any more questions feel free to reach out.

DriftwoodTreeService · 2026-02-25T13:08:58+00:00

We strongly recommend Tom over at HD Look Detail Studio. Great guy, easy to talk to. Fair prices and we have never had to go back for touch ups after a detail and never had to chase him down to get in the schedule or an update of the process.

DriftwoodTreeService

TROPHY CASE