Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — Jamie comes to your property in person to assess the job and give you a quote on the spot. There's no fee, no obligation, and no guesswork. Every estimate is based on what we actually see. The fastest way to get started is to text 905-870-1441, book through our website, or email info@timbercreektreeservice.ca.

Tree removal pricing depends on the size of the tree, its location, how accessible it is, what's surrounding it, and how much debris needs to be removed. There's no honest number we can give without seeing the actual job — which is exactly why every estimate is free and on-site. What we can tell you is that Timber Creek offers some of the most competitive, fair pricing in the Hamilton area. No hidden fees, no surprises. Contact Jamie for a free on-site quote.

Stump grinding cost depends on the diameter of the stump and how accessible the site is. Like tree removal, the only accurate quote comes from seeing the job in person. We keep our pricing fair and transparent. Text or call 905-870-1441 for a free on-site estimate.

Yes. Timber Creek handles removals of every size and complexity — including large hardwoods, trees in extremely tight spaces, and trees surrounded by fences, decks, structures, and utility lines. No job has been too large or too challenging. Our crew has the experience, equipment, and technique to complete difficult removals safely and cleanly. If another company has turned the job down, give us a call.

Yes to all three. Timber Creek Tree Service is fully licensed, insured, and WSIB compliant. WSIB compliance matters for Hamilton homeowners — it means you're protected from liability if a worker is injured on your property. We carry general liability insurance on every job so your property and our crew are covered from start to finish.

Timber Creek Tree Service holds ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification and is a member of the OCAA (Ontario Commercial Arborists Association). We have 4 ISA certified arborists on our team. ISA certification is the most recognized professional credential in tree care — it means our arborists are trained in tree biology, safe removal practices, and proper pruning technique. When you hire Timber Creek, you're hiring certified professionals.

In Hamilton, the Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw requires a permit to remove any tree with a trunk diameter of 45cm or greater, measured at 1.4 metres above ground, on private property. Trees under 45cm generally don't require a permit for residential removal, though stricter rules apply near natural heritage areas. Requirements vary across our service area — Burlington requires permits for trees 20cm DBH and larger, Mississauga starts at 15cm. If you're unsure whether your tree requires a permit, contact us and we'll help you figure it out.

It depends on the tree's size and your municipality. In Hamilton, most residential trees under 45cm diameter can be removed without a permit. In Burlington that threshold drops to 20cm, in Mississauga to 15cm. If you're near a conservation area or natural heritage feature, additional restrictions may apply regardless of size. Contact us with your address and we'll point you in the right direction.

Common signs include: a significant lean toward a structure, large dead or hanging branches, a hollow or severely decayed trunk, more than 50% of the canopy dead or dying, fungal growth at the base, major root damage or heaving soil, bark cracking and falling away in large sections, or structural damage from storm or disease. If you're seeing any of these, don't wait — a failing tree near a structure or play area is a real safety risk. Contact us for a free on-site assessment.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a serious issue across Hamilton — the city removed more than 25,000 ash trees from public land over a decade, and many private residential ash trees remain affected. Signs of EAB include D-shaped exit holes roughly 3–4mm wide in the bark, S-shaped larval galleries visible under the bark, crown dieback starting at the top of the tree, heavy woodpecker activity on the upper trunk, and vertical bark splits. Ash trees with EAB decline quickly and can become structurally dangerous within a few seasons. Contact us for an assessment if you suspect your ash tree is affected.

Don't re-enter the building if it's structurally compromised, and stay well clear of any downed power lines — call your utility provider immediately if lines are involved. Once you're safe, contact your homeowner's insurance to report the incident, then call or text us at 905-870-1441. Emergency calls are always our first priority and we aim for same-day response. Do not attempt to cut or move the tree yourself, especially where it contacts the roof or power lines.

Generally, homeowner's insurance covers tree removal when a tree falls on an insured structure due to a covered event like a storm or high winds. Removal of a standing tree — even one that is dead, diseased, or leaning — is typically not covered. Coverage varies by policy, so contact your insurance provider to confirm what your plan includes. If your situation involves storm damage, reach out to us — we can respond quickly to clear the tree.

Dead wood removal is the targeted removal of dead, dying, or structurally compromised branches from an otherwise living tree. Unlike full removal, it preserves the tree while eliminating the branches most likely to fail. Dead limbs can drop without warning, especially during wind or ice storms, making dead wooding one of the most important — and most overlooked — maintenance services for mature trees. Regular dead wooding extends the life of your tree and significantly reduces property and safety risk.

Yes. Our stump grinder is 35 inches wide and runs on rubber tires, so it fits through standard gate openings without tearing up your lawn. We grind stumps of all sizes — including surface roots — to at least one foot below ground level. That's deep enough to allow for lawn seeding, sod, or new landscaping directly over the area.

No. Our stump grinder uses rubber tires specifically to protect grass and landscaping. We take care with all equipment and technique on every job, protecting driveways, garden beds, and structures. Cleanup is always included — our clients regularly tell us you'd never know we were there.

Late fall through early spring — when trees are dormant — is generally the best time for structural pruning and significant trimming. Dormant pruning reduces stress on the tree, lowers disease exposure, and produces cleaner cuts. For dead or hazardous branches, timing doesn't matter — that work should be done as soon as the risk is identified. For fruit trees, late winter just before bud break is ideal. Our team can advise on the right timing for your specific tree species.

Yes. We're available around the clock for storm damage, fallen trees, trees on structures, and dangerously hanging limbs. Emergency calls are always our first priority — we aim for same-day response in most cases. The fastest way to reach us in an emergency is to text 905-870-1441.

The fastest way to reach us is by text at 905-870-1441. You can also call the same number, book directly through the booking page on our website, or email info@timbercreektreeservice.ca. Jamie personally handles every estimate and responds quickly. For emergency situations, text or call for the fastest response.

We respond to every inquiry within an hour of receiving it. From there, scheduling works around your availability — most jobs are booked and on the calendar within three days of first contact. During peak season in spring and summer, demand increases, so reaching out sooner gives you more flexibility on timing. The easiest way to book is through our booking page or by texting 905-870-1441.

We're based in Hamilton, Ontario and serve Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Binbrook, Carluke, Burlington, Grimsby, Caledonia, Haldimand, Brantford, Brant County, Cambridge, Guelph, and Mississauga. For larger commercial projects, we also travel across Ontario. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, text or call and we'll confirm.