Tree & Hedge Care in Essex, Ontario

In Essex County, dormant pruning is ideal from late January through early March, before sap begins to flow. Spring-flowering shrubs like lilac, forsythia, and magnolia should be pruned within two weeks of finishing their bloom. Summer-flowering shrubs (like hydrangea paniculata) can be pruned in late winter along with deciduous trees. We advise on the ideal timing for each species on your property during our initial assessment.

We handle small to medium tree removals across Windsor and Essex County. For large removals requiring crane work or trees near structures and power lines, we partner with certified arborists in the area and coordinate the entire project for you — so you have one point of contact throughout.

Most hedges in Essex County benefit from 2–3 trims per season: once in late spring after the initial growth flush, again in mid-summer, and a final shaping in early fall. Cedar hedges have a more specific schedule — one major trim in late June to early July, with an optional light trim in early September.

In late spring, after other trees on your street have leafed out, try the scratch test: use your fingernail to scratch a small section of bark on a young branch. If you see green tissue underneath, the branch is alive. Brown or dry tissue means it's dead. Also check for brittle branches that snap cleanly (live wood bends), fungal growth on the trunk, and bark that's falling off in large sections. If you're unsure, we can do an on-site assessment — some trees that look dead may only have dieback on certain limbs and can be saved with corrective pruning.

Cedar hedges (eastern white cedar / Thuja occidentalis) in Ontario do best with one major trim in late June to early July, after the spring growth flush hardens off. A lighter second trim can be done in early September if the hedge has grown unevenly. Avoid trimming after mid-September — new growth triggered by late trimming won't harden before frost and can suffer winter burn. Never cut into the dead zone (brown interior wood), as cedars won't regenerate from old growth.

Tree pruning costs in Windsor-Essex vary based on tree size, species, and complexity. Small ornamental trees typically run $150–$300, medium-sized trees $300–$600, and large mature trees $600–$1,200+. Factors that increase cost include proximity to structures or power lines, deadwood removal, and difficult access. We provide free on-site estimates for all tree work — contact us to schedule an assessment.