Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have Insurance and WSIB?

Yes, CLC Tree Services carries both Liability Insurance and coverage under Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for all its employees. All our work practices comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as the Ontario Arborist Industry Safe Work Practices.

In addition, we conduct on a regular basis safety meetings and look for ways to continue to train our employees through the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association.

Why Hire one of our Certified Professionals?

There are many reasons, however quite simply, our Certified Professionals are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. Certified Professionals must continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up-to-date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

Keep in mind that good arborists will perform only accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause are unnecessary.

How Much Will My Tree Service Cost?

Each tree is different, so CLC bases their price on access (can our trucks/equipment reach the tree?), the size of the tree, the level of difficulty (are there wires involved?), and the amount of clean up (do you want to chip the brush or cut the wood). Because of these factors, one of our Certified Professionals meets with you personally to provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision before your job is scheduled. Estimates are free. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard and/or e-transfer.

Will There be Much Damage to my Property when Removing a Tree?

When you meet with one of our Certified Professionals, we can discuss any specific challenges to working on the trees at your property, but generally NO, we do not damage your property while working on your trees. We can use cranes to remove or trim trees, lifting the debris out to the road. Wood and branches can be lowered by use of ropes and mats can be put on lawns and plants to help protect the area and reduce the risk of any damage.
Disclaimer: Must be discussed prior to the job.

What Questions Should I ask a Tree Service Provider?

• Do you have proof of WSIB Insurance?
• Do you have proof of Liability Insurance?
• Do you have proof of industry recognized credentials – ISA Certified, Better Business Bureau?
• How many years have you been in business?
• Do you have the necessary, adequate equipment needed to complete the job safely and efficiently?

Why Preserve Established Trees?

Trees of any type add value to both residential and commercial properties and during construction practices, healthy established trees can be preserved with little effort and minimal expense (if any). There are many trees throughout London and the surrounding area that are valuable enough to justify preservation programs.

Why Should I Prune My Trees and Shrubs Instead of Letting Them Grow Naturally?

A tree will be healthier and will maintain better shape if regular maintenance is performed. Also hedges will stand up better in snow loads and look better without taking over a yard.

When is the Best Time to Prune my Trees?

This is a good, yet difficult question to answer. We recommend consulting with one of our Certified Professionals before doing any pruning as pruning for view, esthetics or for health will often change the way pruning is approached.

There are many good reasons to prune in the dormant period in late fall and winter; first, this provides the arborist a good opportunity to evaluate the trees structure which allows the arborist to decide what pruning action should take place to benefit the tree. Secondly, pruning wounds close faster and with reduced insect and disease in the winter, less chance for the tree to become infected. Plus, perennials are dormant; the ground is frozen allowing heavy equipment to move across lawns and therefore fewer interruptions with saves time and money.

During the summer months is another good time for pruning as trees are less susceptible to losing energy at this time

When is the Best Time of the Year to Trim my Hedges?

When it comes to pruning hedges timing is everything. The best time to do pruning is in the spring or fall for any type of hedge avoiding extreme temperatures is best. Every type of hedge has its own perfect window to prune it in. Factors affecting it are; if they are evergreen or deciduous, if and when they flower, the size of the hedge and that time it was pruned etc.

By consulting one of our Certified Professionals, you know that the best interest of the plant material will be taken into consideration. An number of additional factors considered will be discussed once a free site visit is done to recommend what is your best option from a plant health care and safety perspective.

What is Cabling and Bracing?

A method used to support a tree canopy that has a structural defect such as a crack. This is to help prevent a failure of a large section of tree. Cable systems are not a “guarantee that the tree is safe”

An alternative to removing a tree would be a brace support system. This is a method used to support a tree canopy that has a structural defect such as a crack.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Plant Trees?

Traditionally, spring and fall are the most favored times to plant.

Can I Plant Over a Stump?

We don’t recommend it. Most stumps are ground down to 8” to 10” below grade but it is possible to remove deeper roots by modifying the grade around the stump. Each circumstances is unique, the best way to know is to call us for a free consultation to determine your best course of action.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer and What Can I do to Control it?

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a highly destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. Native to eastern Asia, EAB was first discovered in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan in 2002.

There is now a product from BioForest Technologies called TreeAzin that can be used to fight the Emerald Ash Borer. It is a systemic insecticide, meaning it enters the tree and moves throughout. We make a number of small injection sites on the tree, the number of sites depends on the diameter of the tree, then insert the injection dosage as recommended by BioForest.