Tree Removal in the Comox Valley: The Informed Homeowner’s Guide

By Ben Boykiw, Owner of Vision Arboriculture

There’s a lot of talk these days about urban forest management, and I’m glad to see it. It means people are thinking about trees not just as decoration, but as critical infrastructure — for clean air, biodiversity, stormwater protection, and quality of life. But part of responsible stewardship is knowing when a tree needs to come down, and how to do that safely and ethically.

That’s where I come in. I’m Ben Boykiw, the owner of Vision Arboriculture, and I’m proud to live and work here in the Comox Valley. When you choose to remove a tree — whether it’s because of storm damage, disease, safety concerns, or landscape redesign — I believe you deserve the kind of care and professionalism that reflects your values and protects your investment. That starts with hiring an ISA Certified Arborist.

What Does ISA Certification Mean — And Why Should You Care?

As an ISA Certified Arborist, I’ve gone through rigorous training and testing to understand tree biology, structural integrity, pest and disease management, pruning techniques, and safe removal practices. It’s not just a credential — it’s a commitment to do the job right, for the tree, for the property, and for the community.

There’s a big difference between someone with a chainsaw and someone with deep-rooted knowledge. When you hire a certified arborist, you’re getting someone who can assess whether tree removal in the Comox Valley is truly necessary — or whether expert tree pruning could save the tree. If removal is the best course of action, we approach it with precision and foresight, minimizing impact and ensuring the surrounding environment is respected.

Full-Service Tree Removal: No Subcontracting, No Guesswork

One of the things that makes Vision Arboriculture different is that we don’t subcontract. From the initial site assessment to the final cleanup, my team and I handle every step of the process ourselves.

That includes:

• Detailed health and risk assessments of the tree

• Safe and strategic tree trimming in the Comox Valley, especially in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas

• Technical rigging and dismantling, particularly around homes and power lines

• Complete stump removal, not just grinding it down to a few inches

• On-site debris cleanup and ethical disposal

• And, if you wish, helping you select and install a new tree through our tree planting services in the Comox Valley

Why does that matter? Because when multiple companies or subcontractors are involved, things can slip through the cracks. Liability gets murky. Safety protocols get inconsistent. Communication breaks down. You deserve better than that — especially when you’ve worked hard to create a beautiful, safe home on Vancouver Island.

Tree Work Is Risky — That’s Why We Train for It

Let’s be honest: tree service in the Comox Valley isn’t just landscaping. It’s dangerous work. Every job site involves risk — from falling limbs to high-voltage wires to multi-ton root balls. I’ve seen DIY jobs go wrong, and I’ve seen “low-bid” contractors leave behind a mess — or worse, a liability.

My crew and I are fully insured, properly equipped, and trained to the highest safety standards. We don’t take shortcuts. And as an ISA Certified Arborist, I’m bound to a code of ethics that prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, and honest communication.

Living and Working in the Valley Means I Care About the Long-Term

Most of the people I work with didn’t move to the Comox Valley by accident. They came here — or stayed here — for the lifestyle, the access to nature, the slower pace, and the community values. I get that. I’m one of those people too.

So when I talk about tree trimming, tree pruning, or even tree removal, I’m not just looking at a tree. I’m thinking about how that tree fits into your garden, your view, your property line, your neighbor’s home, your future plans. And when a tree comes down, I always offer options for tree planting to restore what’s lost — not just visually, but ecologically.

Whether it's a Douglas fir, maple, cedar, or ornamental cherry, I know how to handle the job with care — and how to recommend site-appropriate replacements that will thrive here for years to come.

When Should You Call Me?

You don’t have to wait for a limb to fall in a storm to give me a call. In fact, the best outcomes happen when we plan ahead. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it might be time for a professional assessment:

• Cracks or cavities in the trunk

• Leaning or shifting after heavy wind or rain

• Dead or hanging branches

• Fungal growth at the base

• Roots lifting sidewalks or threatening your foundation

• Upcoming construction that may impact the root zone

Even if you’re not sure, I’m happy to take a look and give you a straight answer. If the tree can be saved through tree pruning in the Comox Valley, I’ll recommend that first. If it needs to be removed, I’ll make sure it’s done safely, cleanly, and with minimal disruption.

What Makes Vision Arboriculture Different?

Here’s what I hear most often from my clients after we finish a job:

“You took the time to explain everything.” “The crew was so professional — and left the site cleaner than they found it.” “I feel safer now, and my yard looks even better than before.”

That’s the standard I hold myself to — because that’s the kind of business I want to run. Transparent. Professional. Rooted in the values of safety, stewardship, and service.

You won’t get upsold. You won’t be pressured. And you won’t be left wondering if the job was done right.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve made your home here in the Comox Valley — whether full-time or seasonally — then you know that trees are part of what makes this place special. But they also require proper care, and sometimes difficult decisions.

When it comes time to remove a tree, you deserve someone who knows what they’re doing, takes the job seriously, and respects your time and property.

That’s what I offer at Vision Arboriculture.

Whether you need tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting, or general tree service in the Comox Valley, I’d be honoured to help.

Feel free to reach out — I’d be happy to meet you, assess your trees, and talk through the right approach.

Warmly, 

Ben Boykiw Owner, ISA Certified Arborist Vision Arboriculture 

Serving Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and the Comox Valley 🌳 Certified. Local. Trusted.