ISA Certified Arborist
ISA #: PN10411A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
BC Forest Safety Certified Fallers
$2 Million Liability Insurance
WorkSafeBC
Common situations
Pruning on the North Shore usually means big, mature trees, where every cut is permanent. These are the usual reasons people call.
Blocking views
Vista pruning opens sightlines through the canopy. Mountain or water views restored and the tree stays.
Limbs over a structure
Overhanging branches removed before they reach the roof, gutters or power line. Pruning brings the tree back within its space.
Outgrown its space
A tree can end up dominating a yard. Proper thinning and reduction bring it back to scale without removing the tree entirely.
Jeff Kinney, Lead Arborist & Owner
Why Ironclad
A bad cut can damage a tree permanently
Opening a view or thinning a crowded canopy changes a lot without a renovation. Most view pruning takes a few hours to a day.
Our reviews
Don’t take our word for it
Reviews from North Shore homeowners on Google.
Highly recommend Ironclad Tree Care. Jeff and his crew were extremely professional, efficient, and great to deal with from start to finish. Jeff is very knowledgeable about tree biology and clearly understands not only how to properly cut and trim trees, but also how to care for them long term.
Jeff and his team did an amazing job on my hedge. Amazing clean up and on time.
Great job done by Jeff and Nick at Ironclad tree service group on tree topping work.
Highly recommend Jeff and his team for any tree service needs and clean-up. The team did an outstanding job on tree removal, pruning and cleanup on our property.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to prune trees?
Late fall through early spring is the ideal window for most trees, when they're dormant and not actively growing. Cuts made during this period heal faster and are less vulnerable to disease, which matters in North Vancouver's wet climate. Dead or hazardous branches are an exception and should be dealt with any time of year. Some species have different requirements, which a certified arborist will be able to assess.
How often should large trees be pruned?
Most mature trees benefit from pruning every three to five years depending on species, growth rate, and what you're trying to achieve. Trees being managed for views may need attention more frequently as canopies fill back in.
Do I need a permit to prune a tree in North Vancouver?
For most standard pruning work on private property, no permit is required. However, if the tree is considered protected, meaning it's a large specimen 75 cm or more in diameter, a protected species like Arbutus or Garry Oak, located in a streamside area, or on District land, a permit is needed before any work begins, including pruning. In the District that's $116 per tree, with an arborist's report or pruning specification. In West Vancouver, pruning a protected tree needs a permit ($330), with the work following an arborist's recommendations. In the City of North Vancouver, basic pruning doesn't need a permit, but topping, removing more than 25% of the crown in one season, or raising the crown below half the tree's height isn't allowed on protected trees.
How much can you prune off of a large tree?
Quite a bit, but removing too much at once stresses the tree and can cause long-term damage. Jeff assesses each tree individually and recommends what can be taken safely without compromising its health or structure.
Do you prune trees near structures?
Yes. Pruning around rooflines, fences, and buildings requires careful planning and precise rigging. Rigged pruning over roofs and fences is routine work for Jeff.
Will pruning affect my tree's long-term health?
Done correctly, pruning improves it. Every cut is a wound the tree has to heal. Made in the right place, it directs growth and reduces future risk. Made in the wrong place, it can cause issues that take months or years to show up. That's why it matters who's making the cuts.
