How to Choose an Arborist in Calgary

Calgary has dozens of tree companies, ranging from one-person operations with a pickup truck and a chainsaw to fully equipped outfits with certified arborists, crane trucks, and stump grinders. The quality spread is enormous, and for homeowners, telling the difference from a website or a phone call can be difficult. Here is what to look for and what to avoid when choosing someone to work on your trees.

Certifications That Matter

ISA Certified Arborist

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification is the industry standard. An ISA Certified Arborist has passed a comprehensive exam covering tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, safety, and tree risk assessment. They must maintain their certification through continuing education. This does not guarantee perfect work, but it does mean the person has demonstrated a baseline level of knowledge that goes well beyond "knows how to use a chainsaw."

You can verify ISA certification at the ISA website by searching for the arborist's name or credential number.

Additional Certifications

• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ): Specialized training in evaluating tree hazards. Important if you need an assessment for insurance or legal purposes.
• ISA Board Certified Master Arborist: The highest level of ISA certification. If your arborist has this, they are among the most qualified in the profession.
• Provincial certifications: Alberta does not require a specific provincial licence to perform tree work, which means anyone can call themselves a tree company. This makes third-party certifications even more important.

Insurance: Non-Negotiable

Any tree company working on your property should carry two types of insurance:

• Commercial general liability (CGL): Covers damage to your property caused by the crew during the work. A minimum of $2 million is standard in the industry. If a branch damages your roof, their insurance covers it.
• Workers' compensation (WCB in Alberta): Covers their employees if they are injured on your property. Without WCB coverage, you could be held liable if a worker is hurt while working on your trees.

Ask for a certificate of insurance before work begins. Any reputable company will provide one without hesitation. If they hesitate, dodge the question, or tell you "do not worry about it," find someone else.

What a Good Quote Looks Like

A professional quote should include:

• A clear description of the work to be performed, specifying which trees and what type of work (pruning, removal, etc.)
• The total price, including any taxes
• What is included in the price: cleanup, debris removal, stump grinding (if applicable), and disposal
• An estimated timeline or scheduling window
• Payment terms
• The company's contact information, business licence number, and insurance details

Be wary of verbal-only quotes, vague descriptions ("we will clean up the tree"), or quotes that seem to change after the work starts.

Red Flags to Watch For

Over the years, we have heard countless stories from Calgary homeowners who had bad experiences with tree companies. These are the warning signs that come up over and over:

• Door-to-door solicitation: "We are in the neighbourhood and noticed your tree needs work." Reputable companies do not go door to door. This is a common approach used by fly-by-night operators who may overcharge, do poor work, or disappear after taking a deposit.
• Recommending topping: If a tree company suggests topping your tree (cutting all branches back to the same height), walk away. Topping is universally condemned by arboricultural standards. It destroys the tree's structure, creates hazardous regrowth, and is a sign that the company does not understand proper tree care.
• Using spikes to climb trees being pruned: Climbing spikes puncture the bark and create wounds at every step. They are appropriate for tree removal (the tree is coming down anyway) but should never be used on a tree that is being pruned and will continue to live.
• No written contract: Even for small jobs, there should be a written agreement. Handshake deals leave you with no recourse if something goes wrong.
• Demanding full payment upfront: A deposit of 10 to 30 percent is reasonable for large jobs. Demanding full payment before work begins is a red flag.
• No business licence: The City of Calgary requires tree companies to hold a valid business licence. You can verify this through the City's business registry.

How to Compare Quotes

Getting three quotes is standard practice. When comparing them, look at more than the bottom-line price:

1. Scope of work: Are all three quoting the same work? A lower price might mean less work, not a better deal.
2. Cleanup and disposal: Is everything being hauled away, or will you be left with a yard full of debris?
3. Credentials: Does the company have certified arborists? Proper insurance? A physical business address?
4. Reviews: Check Google reviews, but read beyond the star rating. Look for specifics about quality of work, communication, and cleanup.
5. Communication: Did the estimator show up on time? Did they explain the work clearly? Were they willing to answer your questions?

The best arborist for your job is not necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive. It is the one who clearly understands what needs to be done, can explain why, carries proper insurance, and has a track record of quality work. Your trees are a long-term investment in your property. They deserve professionals who treat them that way.