Certified Arborist Services in Selkirk, MB

Professional tree care backed by ISA certification, real diagnostic experience, and over 8 years serving Selkirk and surrounding communities.

You don’t always need a chainsaw to fix a tree problem. Some trees that seem like they’re beyond repair can actually be saved with the right pruning or trimming. On the other hand, some trees that look perfectly fine from the ground can be secretly becoming a hazard. That’s where a certified arborist comes in. They can tell the difference and help you make the right decision.

If you’re concerned about a tree on your property, Baxter Landscape and Tree Services is here to help. We have a certified arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) on our team, and we serve the Selkirk, MB area and the surrounding communities. Maybe you’ve got an elm tree that’s showing signs of disease, or perhaps you’re dealing with storm damage and aren’t sure how to proceed. Or maybe you just want a second opinion before deciding whether to remove a tree. Also, once a tree is removed, we can also handle stump grinding in the same visit. Whatever your tree care needs, we’re here to provide you with honest and expert advice. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your trees, and to ensure that you’re getting the best possible care for your property. So why not give us a call and let us help you with all your tree care needs?

What Is an ISA Certified Arborist?

To become certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA for short, you need to have at least three years of experience working full-time with trees. This is just the beginning, since you also have to pass a really tough exam with 200 questions that cover all sorts of topics like how trees grow, what’s in the soil, how to prune them correctly, and how to deal with pests and diseases. And it’s not just a one-time thing, either, to keep your certification, you have to keep learning and taking classes every three years. This way, you can stay up-to-date on all the latest techniques and knowledge in the field of arboriculture.

In Manitoba, it’s not just about having the right papers, it’s about being a real expert when it comes to trees. The government has rules that say if you’re going to check if a tree is healthy, figure out what’s wrong with it, or decide if it’s a risk, you need to have a special certification from the International Society of Arboriculture, or something similar. So, when you hire someone with this certification, you know they’re doing things by the book and following the rules set by the province. It’s not just some guy showing up with a truck and a chainsaw, it’s a professional who really knows what they’re doing.

The short version: a tree crew cuts and hauls. A certified arborist tells you what the tree actually needs and why.

Arborist Services We Provide

Tree Health Assessments

We inspect your trees for signs of disease, structural weakness, pest activity, root damage, and decay. If something is wrong, we tell you what it is, how serious it is, and what your options are. If the tree is fine, we tell you that too.

Hazard and Risk Evaluations

Trees near your home, garage, driveway, power lines, or areas where people spend time need a closer look, especially after a storm or a hard Manitoba winter. We assess structural defects like trunk cracks, split unions, root heaving, and hanging limbs, and give you a clear picture of the actual risk level so you can make an informed decision.

Pruning and Crown Care

Proper pruning improves structure, removes deadwood, and reduces the risk of branch failure without harming the tree. We follow ISA Best Management Practices on every job, which means correct cut placement, no topping, and no removing more live canopy than the tree can handle. Done right, pruning extends the life of a tree and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Learn more about our tree trimming and pruning services here.

Dutch Elm Disease Assessment and Management

Dutch elm disease is one of the most serious tree health threats in Manitoba. We assess elms for DED symptoms, advise on containment pruning where appropriate. If an elm is too far gone, we handle removal and disposal according to provincial requirements.

Note: Manitoba’s elm pruning ban runs from April 1 through July 31 each year to reduce the spread of elm bark beetles. Dead or hazardous elm limbs can be addressed year-round, but healthy elm pruning is restricted to August through March. We know the rules and follow them on every job.

Emerald Ash Borer Assessment

Emerald ash borer is an invasive pest that kills ash trees and is actively spreading across Manitoba. Early detection gives you options. We assess ash trees for infestation signs including canopy dieback, D-shaped exit holes, serpentine galleries under the bark, and increased woodpecker activity, and help you decide on the right course of action before the tree becomes a hazard.

Storm Damage Assessment

After a major wind event, ice storm, or heavy snowfall, trees can sustain hidden structural damage that is not obvious from the ground. We assess storm-damaged trees, identify hanging or cracked limbs, and determine what can be safely preserved versus what needs to come down.

Why It Matters in Manitoba

Manitoba’s climate is hard on trees. Freeze-thaw cycles through fall and spring enlarge existing cracks and weaken compromised wood. Heavy snow and ice loads stress broad-crowned trees and split weak branch unions. Prairie wind events put lateral pressure on root systems that may already be compromised. A tree that might hold on for years in a milder climate can become a genuine hazard here after one bad winter.

Add Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer to the picture, and the value of getting a proper assessment before assuming a tree is fine becomes obvious. Catching a problem early almost always costs less than dealing with an emergency removal after something fails.

Why Selkirk Homeowners Choose Baxter

ISA Certified Arborist on Staff

Not just a crew with equipment. A credentialed professional who can diagnose, assess risk, and give you an honest recommendation backed by training and accountability.

Fully Insured and WSIB Covered

We carry full liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage on every job. If you are hiring a tree service and they cannot confirm both, that is a risk you are taking on yourself.

200+ 5-star Google reviews

One of the highest rated tree and landscaping companies in Selkirk and the surrounding area. Our reputation matters more to us than any single job.

Honest Save vs. Remove Advice

We do not push removals when a tree can be saved. We also do not tell you a tree is fine when it is not. You get a straight answer based on what we actually find.

Complete Service From Assessment to Cleanup

We handle the full job. Assessment, pruning or removal, and complete site cleanup. You do not need to coordinate multiple contractors or manage debris removal separately.

Free On-Site Consultation

We come to your property, check out the tree, and tell you exactly what the best path forward is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful information to make your decision easier.

Do I actually need a certified arborist or can any tree service do the job?

For basic removal of a straightforward tree, a general tree service may be sufficient. But for anything involving a tree health diagnosis, risk assessment, or disease management, you need a certified arborist. Manitoba regulation also requires ISA certification for anyone acting in an arborist capacity, meaning assessing health and prescribing care rather than just cutting.

How do I know if my tree needs to be removed or just pruned?

That depends on what is actually wrong with it. Signs that generally point toward removal include more than half the canopy being dead or dying, major trunk cracks or cavities, root failure, or confirmed disease like Dutch elm disease. Signs that a tree can often be saved include limited deadwood with a sound trunk and root system, early-stage pest activity, or storm damage under roughly half the canopy. We assess the tree and give you a straight answer.

Are you insured and do you carry workers' compensation?

Yes. We carry full general liability insurance and WSIB workers’ compensation coverage on every job. You are welcome to ask for confirmation before we start. If you are getting quotes from other companies, always ask the same question. Homeowners can be held liable for worker injuries if the contractor is not properly covered.

How much does an arborist assessment cost?

We provide free on-site quotes. Come see the property, walk through what we are looking at, and give you a clear answer before any work is booked. No charge, no obligation.

Do you service areas outside of Selkirk?

es. We serve Selkirk and the surrounding area including East Selkirk, Lockport, Stonewall, the RM of St. Andrews, and parts of Winnipeg. Not sure if you are in our service area, give us a call and we will let you know.

My elm has yellow and brown leaves that are staying on the tree. Is that Dutch elm disease?

It could be. Yellowing or browning leaves that curl and stay on the tree instead of dropping, often starting on one branch and spreading, are a common early sign of DED. Other signs include brown streaking in the sapwood when bark is peeled on a dying branch. The only way to confirm it is an assessment. If it is DED, the sooner it is identified the more options you have.

Get a Free Arborist Assessment in Selkirk, MB

If you have a tree you are worried about, an elm or ash showing symptoms, storm damage you are not sure how to handle, or just want an honest opinion before making a decision, give us a call or fill out the form below. We come to your property, assess the situation, and give you a straight answer at no charge.