
Ash trees across the Moncton area face a serious threat from the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that kills trees by disrupting water and nutrient flow inside the wood. When an ash shows signs of decline, structural failure or is already dead, ash tree removal in Moncton becomes the safest and most practical option. Hub City Tree Trimming removes compromised ash trees while the wood remains sound enough to climb and rig safely, then handles disposal according to local rules. Our ISA Certified Arborists assess each tree's condition and plan the safest dismantling approach, whether the ash is still living but weakened or already dead and brittle. We work across Moncton and the surrounding municipalities, managing the entire process from felling to stump grinding and wood chipping.
Why ash tree removal matters in the Moncton area
Ash trees were once common on residential properties and street lines throughout in Moncton and the surrounding area. The emerald ash borer arrived in the region and has steadily killed mature ash populations. Dead ash becomes structurally unpredictable: branches fail without warning, the trunk can split under wind or ice load, and the wood hardens to the point where it splinters rather than bends. A dead or dying ash near a house, garage, deck or power line poses genuine risk to property and safety. Early removal, while the tree is still climbable, prevents emergency situations and protects neighbouring trees and structures.
- Dead ash wood becomes brittle and unpredictable, creating hazard from branch or trunk failure.
- Weakened ash trees are more vulnerable to storm damage, especially during ice events common in Moncton winters.
- Removing ash before it dies completely allows safe rigging and controlled dismantling from the canopy down.
- Stump grinding after removal prevents regrowth and clears the space for new planting or landscaping.
- Proper disposal of ash wood follows local regulations and prevents spread of emerald ash borer to other sites.
Taking action early protects your property and avoids the cost and danger of emergency removal after a storm.
Local context: In Moncton and Riverview, emerald ash borer populations have killed or weakened an estimated 60 to 80 percent of ash trees on private property since 2010. Most homeowners face removal decisions within the next five to ten years.
How we remove ash trees safely
Every ash removal begins with a site assessment. Our arborist inspects the tree's health, structural integrity, proximity to buildings and utilities, and accessibility for equipment. We then plan the safest dismantling sequence, which almost always involves climbing and rigging the tree down in sections rather than felling it whole. This method protects nearby structures, gardens and fences, and is essential when the ash stands close to a house or over a driveway. Once the trunk and major branches are removed, we grind the stump to below ground level or remove it entirely, depending on your preference and future use of the space.
- We assess tree health, lean, crown balance and proximity hazards before starting work.
- Our crew climbs the ash and removes branches and sections from top to bottom using rigging ropes and pulleys.
- Large sections are lowered to the ground under control, never dropped, to avoid damage and injury risk.
- The trunk is cut into manageable lengths and removed from your property.
- We grind the stump flush with the ground or remove it completely, clearing the space for new use.
- All wood and debris are chipped or hauled away according to local disposal rules.
The entire process typically takes one to three days depending on tree size, site access and cleanup scope. See our tree removal service page for more detail on our approach.
Example: A 20-metre ash in Old West End with branches over a garage took our crew 2.5 days to dismantle safely using rigging, plus half a day to grind the stump and chip the wood. Total cost was $1,850 including stump grinding and site cleanup.
Removal methods and when to use each
| Method | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing and rigging | Arborist climbs the ash and removes sections from crown to base, lowering each piece under control with ropes. | Trees near houses, fences, gardens, driveways or power lines; most residential ash removals. |
| Directional felling | Tree is cut at base and guided to fall in a safe direction using ropes and wedges. | Open lots, land clearing, trees with no nearby hazards and clear fall zone. |
| Sectional dismantling with crane | Large sections are removed using a mobile crane instead of rigging, faster for very large trees. | Very tall or thick ash, limited climbing access, tight backyards where rigging is difficult. |
| Stump grinding | After the trunk is removed, the stump is ground 10 to 15 centimetres below ground using a dedicated grinder. | Clearing the space for landscaping, new planting, or patio expansion; included with most removals. |
Our choice of method depends on tree size, health, site access and what lies beneath and around the ash. We always prioritise safety and property protection over speed.
Permits and local rules for ash removal in Moncton
The City of Moncton may require a permit for a private ash tree removal, depending on tree size, location and neighbourhood zoning. An arborist report documenting the tree's condition and the reason for removal supports your permit application and often speeds approval. We provide detailed arborist reports that describe the emerald ash borer damage, structural defects or health decline, and recommend removal as the safest course. Rules and thresholds vary across the Moncton area and surrounding municipalities, so we confirm local requirements before work begins. If your ash stands near NB Power's distribution lines (the wires running from the utility pole to your service entrance), we maintain safe approach distances and never work on the public network itself. Any ash touching or threatening the main power lines is referred to NB Power for their assessment.
We handle all coordination with the City and provide documentation for your records. See our arborist report service for details on how we support your permit application.
Timing and seasonal considerations for ash removal
Ash tree removal can happen year-round, but the safest and most efficient window is late fall through late winter when deciduous trees are dormant and the ground is firm. During this period, the tree's reduced foliage makes climbing easier and safer, and frozen or dry ground provides better access for equipment. Summer and spring removals are possible but often require extra care to protect green vegetation around the base. Ice storms and windstorms across Moncton sometimes damage ash trees suddenly, requiring emergency removal; we respond 24/7 to storm damage calls. Emerald ash borer injection, a preventive treatment for ash trees showing early signs of infestation, is best done from late spring to early summer when the borer is actively feeding.
If your ash is dead or obviously failing, removal should not be delayed into the following spring, as dead wood becomes increasingly brittle and unpredictable. Contact us now for a free estimate and we will advise the best timing for your specific tree and site.
What happens to the wood after removal
Ash wood from removal is handled according to local regulations. We can chip the wood on site, leaving you with mulch suitable for garden beds or pathways, or we haul the wood away for disposal or processing at an approved facility. We do not burn ash wood on residential property in Moncton due to air quality bylaws. If you prefer to keep some of the wood for firewood, we can section and stack it for you to season and burn in your own fireplace or stove, though ash from emerald ash borer-infested trees should not be transported off your property without proper precautions. Our crew removes all debris and leaves your property clean and ready for the next phase, whether that is stump grinding, new plantings or landscaping.
For details on our wood chipping and debris removal process, visit our wood chipping service page.
Why choose Hub City Tree Trimming for ash removal
We are a fully insured, local company with ISA Certified Arborists on staff since 2015. Every ash removal is planned and executed by professionals who understand in Moncton and the surrounding area's climate, soil and tree species. We assess each tree individually, respect your property and neighbours, and communicate clearly about cost, timeline and what to expect. We carry full liability insurance and provide proof of coverage upon request. Call us at (506) 805-0418 for a free estimate, or visit our contact page to request a site visit. We respond within 24 hours and can often schedule removal within two weeks during the dormant season.
Prices Ash Tree Removal in Moncton — Indicative pricing
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ash tree removal (small, under 10 metres) | From $450 | Includes rigging, dismantling and basic clean-up |
| Ash tree removal (medium, 10 to 18 metres) | From $850 | Climbing and sectional rigging with careful site protection |
| Ash tree removal (large, over 18 metres) | From $1,500 | Complex rigging, crane assist if needed, or multiple days |
| Stump grinding (included or separate) | From $150 | Grind stump flush below ground or full removal |
| Arborist report and assessment | From $275 | Supports permit application and documents removal reason |
| Free estimate | Free | Site visit and detailed quote within 24 hours at (506) 805-0418 |
Indicative prices; free, personalized estimate within 24h at (506) 805-0418.