Storm and tree damage in Winnipeg

Arborists and roofers for storm damage.

14 pros in Winnipeg

Winnipeg's tree work is shaped by two local things: Dutch elm disease and the memory of the October 2019 winter storm. The City says elms are not to be pruned from April 1 through July 31, and it inspects all elms each year, tagging infected trees with an orange dot. In October 2019, heavy wet snow brought trees into contact with overhead wires, and Manitoba Hydro said the number of downed trees slowed restoration in the hardest-hit parts of the city. For you, this means timing and safety come first when you hire. If the job involves an elm, ask the company whether the work falls inside the pruning ban, and ask about the City's inspection if you suspect disease. If a branch is on a power line, keep your distance and call 911 rather than booking a crew. After a storm, ask for a written scope that says whether removal, clean-up and any roof repair are included, and keep photos for your insurer.

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What to know in Winnipeg

  • In the October 2019 winter storm, Manitoba Hydro reported that as of 10 am Friday over 37,000 customers, including more than 26,000 in Winnipeg, were without electricity. It said heavy wet snow was weighing down trees and bringing them into contact with overhead wires.

    Manitoba Hydro (source, opens in a new tab)

  • Manitoba Hydro said in October 2019 that restoration in the hardest-hit parts of Winnipeg was slowed by the high number of downed trees. It said trees and large branches had to be removed before assessment and repair could begin.

    Manitoba Hydro (source, opens in a new tab)

  • Manitoba Hydro says to stay at least 10 m away from a fallen power line or a tree branch that has fallen on one, and to call 911. It also says not to remove tree limbs from power lines, because they may still be energized.

    Manitoba Hydro (source, opens in a new tab)

Before you hire

  1. For a tree near power lines, call your utility first: only a utility-certified arborist should work within 3 m of the wires.

    Source: bchydro.com (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask which permits the job needs and who will get them; your municipal building department can tell you before work starts.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Winnipeg

Can I have my elm trimmed in summer in Winnipeg?

Not between April 1 and July 31. The City says elms are not to be pruned in that period because it helps prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease. When you ask for a quote on an elm, ask the company when the work would be done and how it fits that restriction. City of Winnipeg (source, opens in a new tab)

What if I think my elm has Dutch elm disease?

Contact the City of Winnipeg. It says it will inspect the tree within a month and, if the tree is infected, remove it at no charge. Because the City handles infected elms, ask before you pay a company to take one down on suspicion alone. City of Winnipeg (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a tree removal quote include?

Ask for a written quote that names the address, the trees involved, and exactly what is covered: cutting, hauling away debris, stump work and clean-up. It should also say who carries liability insurance and when the work will happen. Compare quotes line by line, not only by the total.

Will insurance cover a tree that fell on my house?

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says that if a tree falls in a windstorm and damages your home, insurance pays to repair the damage and remove the tree, but not to replace the tree. Root damage to a foundation is generally excluded. Check your policy and call your insurer before work starts. Insurance Bureau of Canada (source, opens in a new tab)