How our cost calculator works
Published assumptions, visible limits and a clear distinction between a model and a quote.
An illustrative scenario model, not a market survey
Version 1.0, published 15 October 2026. This release has no statistically representative dataset of paid tree-removal invoices. It does not calculate a city average, median or confidence interval. The low and high values are editorial planning assumptions, not a measured price distribution.
Public provider guides are useful context for the existence of size and scope differences, but they are not a national survey and do not validate our full model. For example, a provider may advertise a starting price for a limited scope. That is neither an offer from us nor a guaranteed price in another location.
The exact calculation
| Input | Model assumption |
|---|---|
| Height 3–6 m | Base $300–700 |
| Height 7–12 m | Base $700–1,500 |
| Height 13–20 m | Base $1,400–3,000 |
| Height 21–30 m | Base $2,500–5,000 |
| Access | Open ×1; restricted ×1.3; very restricted ×1.6 |
| Nearby structures | Clear ×1; structures ×1.35 |
| Stump grinding | Optional $150–500 |
| Debris hauling | Optional $150–300 |
| Your extras | Actual amount you enter, added to both ends |
| Hazards | No automated estimate |
For each end of the range: base × access factor × structure factor + stump allowance + hauling allowance + your extras + your permit/report amount. Round to the nearest CAD $10. One tree only. No tax is added.
What the model excludes
Emergency response, electrical work, unstable-tree assessment, crane engineering, commercial forestry, multiple-tree projects, disposal restrictions and property restoration are outside the automatic model. A contractor may quote above or below the illustrative range.
No location multiplier is applied. We do not invent higher labour rates, species, storm exposure, permit fees or contractor availability from a place name. For remote communities, the model may not be appropriate at all. Use a project-specific provider quote.
A reliable local benchmark would require dated, comparable quotes or invoices, the scope and tax treatment, a disclosed sample size, geographic coverage and permission to use the data. This release does not contain that dataset.
Geographic data and distance method
The directory is adapted from Statistics Canada GeoSuite, 2021 Census: 5,161 census subdivisions across 13 provinces and territories. The figure 5,162 refers to the 2016 count. Census subdivisions include municipalities and statistical equivalents; some are Indigenous or unorganized areas.
Population, land area, subdivision type, identifier and representative-point coordinates retain the source vintage. A missing population is shown as unavailable rather than zero. The directory does not claim to reflect every post-2021 amalgamation or boundary change.
The 20 nearest other subdivisions are computed offline using spherical distance between representative points, with Earth radius 6,371.0088 km. These are straight-line distances, not driving routes. Cross-provincial results are allowed and labelled. Large-area representative points may not be near settlements or road entrances.
Download the adapted geographic dataset (CSV). Names, codes, population, land area and coordinates are included. The dataset is supplied under the Statistics Canada Open Licence.
Sources & context
- Statistics Canada — GeoSuite Data Package reference guide
- GeoSuite — 2021 census subdivision CSV download
- Statistics Canada — SGC 2021 introduction
- The Ontario Arborist — an example of provider-specific small-tree pricing
- Arborista — a Calgary provider cost guide
Geography downloaded and reference pages checked 15 October 2026. Provider links are context, not endorsements or a statistical sample. Local permit sources appear on the researched location pages.