Kelowna's Complete Guide to Tree Services
Everything you need to know about tree services in Kelowna: costs, when removal is necessary, pruning best practices, and who to call. Tree care in the Okanagan requires understanding local species like Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, wildfire risk mitigation through FireSmart principles, and the ongoing threat of mountain pine beetle. Kelowna homeowners typically pay $500-$3,000+ for tree removal, $200-$800 for pruning, and $150-$500 for stump grinding. Below you'll find detailed pricing, service breakdowns, neighborhood-specific tips, and our recommendation for the top-rated arborist in the Central Okanagan.
Our #1 Recommended Kelowna Arborist
SISU Tree Care and Property Maintenance
Why we recommend SISU Tree Care:
- ISA Certified Arborist with 30+ years experience
- Locally owned and fully insured
- Specializes in tree risk assessment and fire mitigation
- Full-service: removal, pruning, stump grinding, landscaping
- Based in West Kelowna, serves all Central Okanagan
Owner: Shannon Hyde, ISA Certified Arborist
SISU is Finnish for strength of will, determination, and perseverance
Free estimates · Fully insured · Serving Kelowna & Central Okanagan
What to Look for in a Kelowna Tree Service
Hiring a tree service in Kelowna requires careful vetting—tree work is dangerous and improper techniques can damage property or create future hazards. The best tree services in the Okanagan understand our unique challenges: wildfire risk requiring FireSmart compliance, mountain pine beetle identification and management, and working with native species like Ponderosa pine that have specific pruning requirements. Before hiring any arborist, verify they're properly insured, ask for proof of ISA certification, and get a detailed written quote.
ISA Certified
Look for ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification — the industry standard
Fully Insured
Verify liability insurance ($2M+) and WorkSafeBC coverage for their crew
FireSmart Trained
Experience with wildfire mitigation and defensible space creation
Written Quotes
Detailed estimates with clear scope — no surprises or hidden fees
Common Tree Services & Costs in Kelowna
Kelowna tree service companies offer three core services: tree removal, tree pruning/maintenance, and stump grinding. Understanding what each service includes—and typical Okanagan pricing—helps you budget appropriately and compare quotes.
🪓 Tree Removal
Complete tree removal for dead, hazardous, or unwanted trees. Includes cutting, debris removal, and site cleanup. Emergency services available for storm damage.
$500 – $3,000+
Removal guide →✂️ Tree Pruning
Professional pruning for tree health, safety, and aesthetics. Crown thinning, deadwood removal, structural pruning, and FireSmart lower branch removal.
$200 – $800
Pruning guide →🪨 Stump Grinding
Remove unsightly stumps using professional grinding equipment. Prevents regrowth, eliminates trip hazards, and reclaims usable yard space.
$150 – $500
Stump grinding guide →Tree Service Costs in Kelowna (2025-2026)
Understanding tree service costs helps you plan your budget and evaluate quotes. Here's what Kelowna homeowners typically pay for professional tree care:
Common Service Costs
- Small tree removal (under 25 ft): $300-$700
- Medium tree removal (25-50 ft): $700-$1,500
- Large tree removal (50+ ft): $1,500-$3,000+
- Emergency/same-day removal: +25-50% surcharge
- Tree pruning (per tree): $200-$800
- Stump grinding (per stump): $150-$500
- Tree risk assessment: $150-$400
- FireSmart property assessment: $200-$500
Note: Prices vary based on tree species, location, access difficulty, proximity to structures/power lines, and time of year. Hillside properties common in Kelowna often have additional access costs.
FireSmart Tree Care in the Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley is one of British Columbia's highest wildfire risk regions, making FireSmart tree management essential for Kelowna homeowners. FireSmart Canada's guidelines provide a framework for creating defensible space around homes through strategic tree care. The program divides property into three zones: Priority Zone 1 (within 10 metres of structures) requires the most intensive management, including removal of all coniferous trees and combustible vegetation. Priority Zone 2 (10-30 metres) focuses on tree spacing, pruning lower branches, and removing ladder fuels. Priority Zone 3 (30-100 metres) emphasizes reducing forest density and removing dead material. Many Kelowna arborists specialize in FireSmart assessments and can create a tailored plan for your property.
FireSmart Tree Care Actions
- Remove dead trees: Dead or dying trees are extreme fire hazards — remove immediately
- Prune lower branches: Remove branches to 2 metres height to prevent fire climbing
- Space trees properly: Maintain 3-6 metre spacing between tree crowns
- Remove ladder fuels: Clear shrubs and low vegetation that connect ground fires to tree canopy
- Choose fire-resistant species: Replace conifers near home with deciduous trees like birch or maple
Mountain Pine Beetle in the Okanagan
Mountain pine beetle has devastated forests throughout British Columbia's interior, including the Okanagan Valley. While the epidemic peaked in the 2000s, pine beetle remains a significant concern for Kelowna homeowners with Ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, or other susceptible species on their property. Infected trees pose both safety risks (dead trees fall unpredictably) and fire risks (beetle-killed trees are highly combustible). Early detection is critical—look for pitch tubes on bark, fine boring dust at the tree base, and needles transitioning from green to yellow to red. Once needles turn red, the tree is dead and should be removed. An ISA Certified Arborist can assess your pines and recommend preventive treatments or removal as needed.
Tree Services by Neighborhood in Kelowna
Different Kelowna neighborhoods have unique tree care considerations based on terrain, prevalent species, and wildfire risk level. Click any area for detailed local information:
West Kelowna properties often feature steep terrain and interface forest requiring FireSmart expertise. Glenmore includes newer hillside communities like Wilden with challenging access. Lake Country properties range from lakefront to rural acreages with large tree stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tree removal cost in Kelowna?
Tree removal in Kelowna typically costs $500-$3,000+ depending on tree size, species, location, and complexity. Small trees under 25 feet run $300-$700. Medium trees (25-50 feet) like mature fruit trees cost $700-$1,500. Large trees over 50 feet, including tall Ponderosa pines, range from $1,500-$3,000+. Emergency removal, hazardous access, or work near power lines adds 25-50% to costs. Stump grinding is usually extra at $150-$500.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Kelowna?
In the City of Kelowna, you may need a permit to remove certain protected trees. Kelowna's Tree Protection Bylaw protects significant trees on private property—generally trees over 20cm in diameter at breast height. Removal of protected trees without permission can result in fines up to $10,000. Check with the City of Kelowna Planning Department before removing large trees. West Kelowna, Lake Country, and other municipalities have their own regulations.
When is the best time to prune trees in Kelowna?
The best time to prune most Okanagan trees is late winter to early spring (February-March) while trees are dormant but before spring growth begins. This timing promotes faster healing and reduces disease risk. However, dead or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season. Fruit trees benefit from dormant pruning, while flowering trees should be pruned after blooming. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer when trees are stressed from Okanagan heat.
What is FireSmart tree management?
FireSmart is British Columbia's wildfire prevention program that includes specific guidelines for tree management around homes. In the high-risk Okanagan, FireSmart principles recommend maintaining defensible space by removing dead trees, pruning lower branches to 2 metres height, spacing trees 3-6 metres apart, and removing ladder fuels that allow fire to climb. Many Okanagan homeowners hire ISA Certified Arborists for FireSmart assessments and implementation to reduce wildfire risk.
How do I know if a tree is dangerous?
Signs of a hazardous tree include dead or hanging branches, visible decay or cavities in the trunk, fungal growth at the base, leaning at an unusual angle, root damage or heaving soil, cracks in major branches, and previous storm damage. In the Okanagan, mountain pine beetle damage is a major concern—look for pitch tubes, boring dust, and brown needles. If you suspect a tree is dangerous, contact an ISA Certified Arborist for a professional tree risk assessment.