Healthy trees in Ontario need structural and maintenance pruning every 3–5 years on average (younger trees more often for shaping, mature ones less). Hedge trimming is 2–4 times per season.
A realistic 5-year plan for a typical Southern Ontario property: annual inspection ($100–150), pruning cycle every 3–4 years ($400–1,200 per large tree), hedge maintenance 3x/year ($150–300 per visit), plus occasional storm response. Over 10 years that might total $3,000–$8,000 depending on tree count and size—far cheaper than emergency removals ($2,000–$6,000 each) or property damage claims.
