Full-Service tree care crew

Homeowners, property managers, strata and condo boards, small commercial sites, and sometimes insurers after storms.

Priced per job based on tree size, access and risk, plus add-ons like stump grinding and firewood. Emergency call-outs can be priced higher.

• Climbing, rigging and chainsaw skills
• Leading a crew safely
• Estimating jobs and pricing risk
• Managing equipment and maintenance

• Higher-limit commercial general liability insurance and commercial vehicle insurance; check requirements and quotes with a broker
• Workers' compensation registration (WCB, WSIB or equivalent) is generally required once you hire, and tree work is a high-risk class, so check with your provincial board
• Provincial safety rules for working at height and near power lines; check with your provincial occupational health and safety regulator, and contact the utility before working near lines
• Municipal tree protection bylaws and permits may apply to removals; check with each municipality you work in
• Winter slows work in many regions, so plan cash flow for the quiet season
• Equipment is costly to repair and injuries can stop the whole business, so budget for maintenance and safety training

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000 CAD, depending on whether you buy a truck, chipper and trailer new or used, plus climbing gear, insurance and training. Treat this as a rough estimate and get quotes first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000 CAD, depending on crew size, the jobs you take and your pricing. These are estimates only, and revenue is not profit after equipment, fuel and wages.

Check higher-limit commercial general liability and commercial vehicle insurance with a broker, and workers' compensation registration once you hire. Also check provincial safety rules for working at height and near power lines, and municipal tree protection bylaws and permits.