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Trusted & Certified Ottawa Arborists
ISA Certified
Certified Arborist on staff, verified credentials
500+ Removals
Successful tree removals in Ottawa & the surrounding area
Zero Claims
Zero property damage claims in 7+ years
Since 2018
Locally-owned family business, founded by Riley Sheldrick
Why Ottawa Homeowners Choose Green Thumb Tree Specialists
Ottawa Tree Permit Experts
By law, any tree 30 cm (about 12 inches) in diameter on your property requires a City permit before removal. We prepare arborist reports, manage permits, and handle all City of Ottawa communication. Average permit approval: 2 weeks — compared to the 4–6 week industry standard. We know the rules. We handle the process. You stay compliant and protected from fines.
ISA Certified & Arboriculture Canada Trained
Our team holds ISA Certified Arborist credentials and completes ongoing training through Arboriculture Canada and ISA continuing education programs. We stay current on the latest tree care techniques, disease management, and safety protocols — so we safely handle removals where others hesitate.
Zero-Damage Methodology
We use professional rigging, rope systems, and industry-leading equipment — including bucket trucks and cranes, that meet ANSI safety standards. Every branch and log is lowered to the ground safely and in a controlled manner. No trees crashing into decks. No property damage. Zero damage claims across 500+ Ottawa tree removals. That’s not luck, that’s methodology.
Local Expertise
We know the city’s tree species, seasonal challenges, and neighbourhood regulations. Ice storms? We’ve completed 120+ emergency removals during Ottawa’s worst winter events. Emerald Ash Borer and Dutch Elm Disease? We assess, treat, and remove affected trees every month. We understand tree problems at a level that general contractors can’t match.
Meet Our Certified Arborists
Riley Sheldrick — Founder & Lead Arborist
ISA Certified Arborist | Arboriculture Canada Trained | 10+ Years Experience
Riley founded Green Thumb Tree Specialists in 2018 after years in the industry, frustrated by how larger companies treated homeowners, unclear pricing, property damage, and poor communication. He built Green Thumb Tree Specialists around a different standard. Today, Riley specializes in the most challenging tree removal in Ottawa: 80-foot trees close to houses, permit-regulated trees in tight urban spaces, and emergency storm response. He personally assesses every complex job and is on-site for high-risk work.
Emily Sheldrick — Operations & Client Care
Emily joined Green Thumb Tree Specialists in 2020 and manages every client experience from first call to final cleanup, scheduling, permit coordination, communications, and follow-ups. Her attention to detail ensures nothing falls through the cracks, and her warmth is a key reason clients refer their neighbours.
OTTAWA TREE REMOVAL SERVICES
Green Thumb Tree Specialists offers a full range of tree services in Ottawa, from removal and pruning to stump grinding and trimming.
Tree removal services
We have the heavy-duty equipment and skills required for any tree removal job in Ottawa & surrounding areas. Contact us today to get a quote. Request a Tree Removal Quote
Tree TRIMMING services
Whether you’re tired of looking at an unmanicured tree or overgrown branches are beginning to pose a safety risk, our expert arborists are here to help. Learn More
Stump Removal services
Old tree stumps aren’t just an eyesore. They can spread diseases, become a safety hazard, and even reduce your property value. Learn More
Snow removal russell
24/7 emergency tree service
The last thing you need is a tree problem on your property. We’re available 24/7 to help you, no matter when an emergency arises. Learn More
Our Tree Removal Process: 4 Steps to a Job Done Right
Step 1: Free Assessment
We visit your property and evaluate the tree: health, structural integrity, size, location, and proximity to structures. We listen to your concerns, explain what we recommend and why. Free, no-pressure assessment.
Step 2: Permit & Planning
For trees protected under Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law, we prepare the full arborist report, submit the permit application, and manage all City of Ottawa communication on your behalf. Average approval: 2 weeks. You don’t have to deal with any of it.
Step 3: Safe Execution
On removal day, our certified crew arrives with the right equipment for the job, from hand tools to bucket trucks and cranes. Every section of the tree is removed in a controlled sequence, with each branch and log safely brought to ground level. Your property is protected throughout with tarps and careful planning.
Step 4: Complete Cleanup
Stumps ground below grade. Branches chipped. Logs removed or cut to firewood length on request. We walk the completed site with you and make sure you’re 100% satisfied before we leave.
CLIENTS
Testimonials
Ottawa Tree Expertise — Handling Unique Challenges
Ottawa has specific tree challenges that general contractors don’t fully understand. Here’s how we handle the ones homeowners face most often:
- Ice Storms: Ottawa’s ice storms snap branches and fell trees with little warning. We respond fast when other companies are fully booked, often on-site, and same-day emergencies are called in.
- Emerald Ash Borer: EAB kills ash trees rapidly and spreads to neighbouring properties. We identify infestations early, assess whether treatment is viable, and remove affected trees in accordance with proper disposal protocols.
- Dutch Elm Disease: Dutch Elm Disease is active in city. Early identification and removal stops spread. We recognize DED symptoms and act before the disease moves to healthy trees nearby.
- Urban Tree Challenges: Ottawa’s residential lots often have trees within feet of homes, decks, fences, and power lines. These require expert rigging and precise planning, not just a chainsaw and a truck.
- Tree Protection By-law: Ottawa’s by-law protects trees 30 cm or larger. We prepare arborist reports, submit permit applications, and manage City approvals, so you never have to navigate the process alone.
- Storm Debris Cleanup: After major wind or ice events, we clear fallen debris, assess structural damage to remaining trees, and make your property safe again, including same-day emergency response when needed.
Available 24/7 for Ottawa Tree Emergencies
What is a tree emergency? When damage to a plant immediately threatens the health, safety, or property of those around it, call your trusted arborist at Green Thumb Tree Specialists for immediate emergency tree assistance.
Some emergencies are obvious, like a branch that falls on a home or one that catches fire. However, did you know a trunk that leans more than 15 degrees may easily fall? When in doubt, call Green Thumb Tree Specialists.
Call Us When You Need the Tree Care Service
We proudly serve Ottawa and nearby communities, including Kanata, Nepean, Orléans, Barrhaven, and Gloucester. Whether you’re in the suburbs or the city center, our team can reach you quickly.
You can contact us for a free quote online or by calling (613) 869-5324. Learn more about our certified arborists and how we provide 24/7 tree services in Ottawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about our tree services in Ottawa? Consider these answers to some common questions.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Ottawa?
Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Ottawa?
What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit?
How quickly can you remove a tree?
What is the best time of year for tree removal or trimming?
Do my trees need annual inspections?
Am I liable for damage during tree services?
