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Get a Second Opinion Before You Remove a Tree
Removal is permanent. Before you sign off, find out whether the recommendation came from someone with a financial reason to make it.
A removal quote comes from the firm that does the removal
Most companies that give you a removal quote also do the removal. So the firm deciding whether your tree comes down earns money only if the answer is yes.
A second opinion breaks that link. When the arborist looking at your tree has no removal crew waiting on the answer, the recommendation reflects the tree's condition rather than what keeps the crew booked.
This matters most for a large or mature tree. Removal and replanting can run into the thousands of dollars, and the tree took decades to grow.
We do not remove trees
We earn nothing more if a tree comes down, so the report says what we find.
Meet the arboristsWhat an Independent Consulting Arborist Is
An independent consulting arborist writes reports and assessments. They do no pruning, removal, cabling or bracing.
ISA certification confirms technical competence but does not by itself confirm independence. A certified arborist employed by a removal company is still working for a business that profits when trees come down. The distinction to look for is whether the firm performs hands-on tree work at all.
At The Arborist Group, Sergiy Litvinov holds ISA certification (#ON-2281A). The firm performs no removal or hands-on tree work.
Where a Second Opinion Changes the Outcome
Contested permit applications
If a neighbour has objected or the city has asked for more documentation, a report with no financial stake in the outcome holds up better under that scrutiny than one from the firm that quoted the removal.
Heritage or specially designated trees
Municipalities apply more scrutiny to protected or significant trees. A conflict-free assessment gives the application a stronger foundation, and shows you what you would lose.
Genuine uncertainty about whether removal is necessary
An arborist with nothing to gain either way will tell you if the tree can reasonably be retained, and will document why if it cannot.
What It Costs
A second opinion is a standard arborist report or, if you need a formal risk determination, a TRAQ risk assessment.
A second opinion costs the same as a first one: $200 for a tree removal report covering up to three trees (standard rate $250).
The same report serves a permit, an insurer or a neighbour dispute
Permit applications
If removal is confirmed, the same report supports the municipal permit application, written to the standard your city's forestry reviewers expect.
Insurance documentation
For storm damage or a liability question, an independent report gives your insurer a professional record that was not produced by the party performing the work.
Neighbour disputes
When neighbours disagree about a tree near the property line, a conflict-free assessment gives both sides one record to work from instead of competing opinions.
Our self-triage guide matches warning signs to the right document, a removal report or a formal risk assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a second opinion before removing a tree?
Yes, if the firm recommending removal also performs removals. Get it from a consulting-only arborist, especially for a large or mature tree, a contested permit, or any case where you are not convinced removal is necessary. The second opinion costs a fraction of what removal and replanting would cost if it turns out preservation was possible.
What is an independent consulting arborist?
An independent consulting arborist writes reports and assessments only. They do not perform tree removal, pruning, or any other hands-on tree work. Their income comes from the report itself rather than from any work that follows it, which removes the financial incentive to lean toward removal.
Does a second opinion cost more than what I already paid for?
No. A second opinion is a standard arborist report or risk assessment, priced the same as a first one. A tree removal report is $200 for up to three trees (standard rate $250).
Can a second opinion help with a permit application?
Yes. If your municipality requested more documentation, denied an application, or a neighbour has objected, an independent report carries more weight with city reviewers than one from a firm with a financial stake in the removal. The report is written to the same standard as any permit-ready arborist report.
What if the second opinion agrees the tree should come down?
An independent report confirming removal is warranted gives you documentation with no conflict of interest behind it, which matters if the removal is ever questioned by a municipality, an insurer, or a neighbour.
Get a second opinion before the tree comes down
We do not remove trees, so the assessment has no sale behind it.
Related Resources
Tree Risk Self-Triage Guide
Symptom checklist for a dying, leaning, or storm-damaged tree, and what each sign means.
Check the signs →Independent Arborist vs. Tree Removal Company
How the difference affects your report and your permit.
Read the guide →Tree Risk Assessments
Formal written risk evaluations prepared for insurers, legal counsel, and municipalities.
Learn more →Arborist Report Cost Guide
Prices for tree removal, construction and pool permit reports.
See pricing →Get a quote
Tell us about your property. An ISA Certified Arborist will reply with a firm quote.
- Free consultation, response within 24 hours.
- Report delivered in 2 business days, written to your municipality's requirements.
- We do not sell tree removal.
Serving Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario.
ISA Certified Arborist · ISA Member · ISA Ontario Member