Assistant Manager

With over 30 years experience as a legal secretary and law clerk with several firms in the city, we are fortunate to have her managing our office...and most of us!  

When you call our office, there’s a 90% chance that Marilyn will be your first contact. Whether it’s to do with a request for a quotation, or for assistance as they stick-handle their way through the various tree-related application processes or simply to leave a message, our callers comment on the knowledgeable and willing assistance Marilyn gives them.   

When she is not working at Bruce Tree, she enjoys walks with her dog Emily.

Office Manager

Maria has a background managing fleets of crews in a hectic office environment and is a compliment to the team at Bruce Tree. Maria keeps very active and enjoys playing volley ball, rowing and tennis while not working at Bruce Tree.

Operations Manager
ISA Certified Arborist # ON-1164A

Dan joined Bruce Tree as Operations Manager in the fall of 2006. As an ISA Certified Arborist with over 15 years experience in the field of tree care, Dan’s focus is on managing all aspects of the tree care operation and he does a great job. When he’s not climbing or working with the crew, he quotes work, schedules completion of work, oversees preventive maintenance of equipment and keeps an eye on our high standards of work for clients.

Dan would like to see the firm’s present commitment to the environment grow with the business as we constantly explore opportunities to minimize our environmental footprint. (see our Environmental Policy under Mission Statement and Policies)

Most of his time is spent at work and with his family, but whenever he gets the opportunities he loves to go hiking and snowboarding.”

Trees he’d recommend you see…”If you ever go out west, take a trip to Vancouver Island and go see Cathedral Grove, it’s just east of Port Alberni”.

I also want to say…”There’s always room for one more tree…within reason of course!

Arborist/Crew Chief
ISA Certified # ON-500A

Don joined Bruce Tree as Horticultural Crew Chief and Health and Safety Co-ordinator in the fall of 2007. An ISA Certified Arborist, a 1995 graduate of the Urban Arboriculture Programme at Humber College, and a 1994 graduate of the Landscape Horticulture Programme at St. Clair College, Don has over 15 years experience  delivering high quality horticulture and  arboriculture services both for residential and high-end institutional employers/clients.

At work Don’s first love is climbing big trees or caring for young trees in the formative stages. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife in their new house. 

A tree he’d recommend you see…”If you are ever driving east on Dupont, and just before the Dufferin Mall, look to the south, and you will see a large London Plane tree; it’s the one with mottled bark and it’s HUGE!”

His wish…a sustainable urban forest canopy for Toronto, consisting of a diverse population of healthy trees for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. 

His words of advice…”To realize this worthy goal, we need to focus on good tree planting and good tree care”.

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Arborist/Crew Chief
ISA Certified ON-1263A

Kari joined Bruce Tree in the winter of 2006. An ISA Certified Arborist, a 2007 graduate of the Urban Forestry Programme and a 2005 graduate of the Arboriculture Programme (both at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay), she has over 3 years of experience in the arboriculture field, with a focus on large tree pruning, technical rigging and removal.

“When I’m not working I like to try my eye at photography, and I really enjoy the outdoors; canoeing/hiking/and camping.”

Woods that Kari would recommend you see…“If you are ever near Cobourg, you have to go and see Peter’s Woods (it’s just 20 minutes northeast of Cobourg).  Peter’s Woods is one of the last old growth forests in southern Ontario.  It’s a little taste of what the Oak Ridges Moraine used to look like.”

A word of advice…“The first step to ensuring a healthy long-lived tree involves proper species selection and planting.  If the wrong species is chosen for the particular site and/or the tree is improperly planted, it’s just not going to do well…chances are it will die pre-maturely.  Don’t plant a $300.00 tree in a $30.00 hole…you don’t just throw the tree in whatever hole.  Take the time to adequately prepare the soil to receive the roots and make sure the tree is planted at the right depth.  A little care and extra effort will go a long way to ensuring a bright future and a long life for your tree.” 

Arborist/Crew Chief
ISA Certified ON, ISA Certified Tree Worker

Andrew is a graduate of the Arborist and Forestry Technician Programme at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Lindsay.  Andrew has over 6 years of Arboriculture experience working in the Muskokas, New Zealand and Vancouver.

In his spare time he enjoys playing his guitar, camping, yoga, snow boarding, live concerts, and spending time with his family on the farm.

Andrew enjoys the challenges involved with tree work, the camaraderie with co-workers, and learning about the complexity of urban forest.

The most impressive forests I have seen is the Kavri Forest in the far North of New Zealand and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park on Vancouver Island.  However, I would like to visit the Redwood forests of Northern California and the Avenue of Baobab Trees in Morondova, Madagascar.

“I wish for more protection of urban trees and that all work done to trees is in accordance with the industry best practices, as well as planting trees that are best suited for the specific site.

Words of advice “He that plants trees loves others besides himself” Thomas Fuller

Arborist

Thomas joined us in the fall of 2007 and is a Graduate of the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities Arboriculture Apprenticeship Program at Humber College.

With an upbringing in farming, a Mechanical Technician’s diploma and a degree in fine arts, Thomas brings a unique perspective to our operation.  First of all he commutes and rides to and from work most every day and almost all year round….all the way from Richmond Hill to Kipling and Lakeshore, while some of us are still waking up.

His current focus is on alternate fuel sources for our equipment, and on mobilizing a tree care crew solely using human-powered equipment.

In his off time you will find him fixing/upgrading an ever expanding collection of tragic figure bicycles.  “I enjoy recreational tree climbing”.

A tree he suggests you see…”While traveling west from Mt Pleasant on Lawrence Ave, there is a very large Tamarack that is probably as wide, as it is tall.  It really stands out in that area because it probably is the only visible Tamarack in the area.”

A word of advice…“One of his suggestions for reducing city pollution…what else…”riding your bike equals less pollution, which equals more of a variety of trees in the urban environment.

Arborist Apprentice

A graduate from Humber College’s well-known Horticulture Sciences Certificate Program in addition to their Arboriculture Apprenticeship Program.

Chris grew up travelling the world with his family on their sailboat and came to us with a diverse background from real estate, renovations, the financial sector and hospitality. 

Chris joined Bruce Tree in spring 2008 and has many tasks from working up in the trees to quoting fine pruning and Horticultural jobs.  He loves to climb and seems to be a natural.

“I love the outdoors and caring for our environment.  I like to nurture trees and shrubs while providing as much help and advice that I can. This job is my ultimate career choice!”

“When I’m not working I love to spend as much time with my family and close friends.  Relaxing at home or sailing on the boat.”

Trees he suggests you see… “Take a trip to the Toronto Islands and walk from Ward’s to Hanlan’s Point.  I have been spending time there since before I could walk.  The trees there have really grown over the past 30 yrs.  It’s a beautiful retreat within the city.  Other than that there is a beautiful Dawn Redwood in St  James Park at King & Church Streets in Toronto.”

A word of advice… “Trees take time to grow and mature, but before you know it some can be dominant features in the landscape.  Before you plant a tree, do your homework and make informed decisions so the specific tree you plant will be around for future generations to experience.  Also remember that we are the visitors in nature’s backyard, not the other way around.”

Arborist Apprentice

Joe is currently enrolled in the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities Arboriculture Apprenticeship Program at Humber College.

In his spare time Joe likes to paint watercolours, look for records, and enjoy time with friends and family.

Joe enjoys the appreciation that our clients seem to have for their trees.

Joe would recommend visiting Wilson’s Prom.  In South Asutralia.  The nature reserve there is in the process of regeneration after being destroyed by a forest fire.

Joe wishes more respect would be given to the respect and health of trees, and his words of advice are to measure twice & cut once, or don’t cut at all.

Seeing the appreciation of his work a word of advice…“One of his suggestions for reducing city pollution…what else…”riding your bike equals less pollution, which equals more of a variety of trees in the urban environment.

MFC, ISA Certified Arborist Urban Forestry Consultant

Sarah holds a BSc. In Zoology (2002) and a Masters in Forest Conservation (2007) from the University of Toronto. She’s an ISA certified arborist and has worked in the environmental field in a number of capacities including monitoring and restoration of natural areas, residential tree planning, and advising homeowners on tree selection and care.

Having grown up in Toronto, Sarah recalls spending countless hours as a kid exploring the city’s ravines. She appreciates that trees are much more than a leafy, green backdrop: they’re integral to the health of the city – it’s people, wildlife, and infrastructure.

When not working, Sarah enjoys strolling through the city with her Jack Russell, Mya, and visiting trees outside the city, camping, canoeing, and hiking.

Trees that she recommends you see… “Heading west toward Long Point, along Lake Erie, there’s a pocket of very old Carolinian forest called Backus Woods. There are some large tulip trees and black gums, species that aren’t very common in Canada, especially of that size.”

A word of advice… “Tree care should be proactive, right from proper planning and selection, to planning, maintenance, and protection. Many of us are in awe of giant trees – with a little forethought, we can make sure that these amazing trees don’t disappear.”

Arborist Apprentice
ISA Certified ON-1204A

Matt began working at Bruce Tree in September 2009 and has completed the first half of the Arborist Apprenticeship Program at Humber College. He received his ISA Arborist Certification while running the residential tree planting program for many years at LEAF, a Toronto-based urban forestry organization.

Matt worked for a number of years as a project manager for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation on everything from aggregate pit reclamation to Metrolinx. He holds undergraduate degrees in Political Science/Economics as well as Environmental Protection Engineering.

His main interests in tree care are preserving older trees and planting as many young trees as possible to increase the tree canopy of Toronto

Every couple of years Matt has a habit of taking a number of months off to travel to a remote destination. He’s collected 35 countries so far, most in far-flung locations in Africa, South America and southern Asia.

"When I'm away I like to visit trees in the rainforests of the Amazon, West/Central Africa and South-East Asia. I also visit major rivers of the world and hope for whitewater. My favourite is the Class V rapids on the White Nile in Uganda."

Trees he suggests you see. "If you can visit just one forest, make it the Amazon to see the Kapok trees. However, my favourite trees are found in Africa including Baobabs, Limbas in Ghana, and the Real Yellowwoods and Kokerbooms of my home away from home, South Africa."

Arborist and Urban Forestry Consultant
M.F.C. (Forest Conservation) U. of T.
I.S.A. Certified Arborist #ON-1032A

Todd has over twelve years experience in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry. He is an I.S.A. Certified Arborist and a 2001 graduate of the Arborist Apprenticeship Program at Humber College.

 

He joined Bruce Tree as an arborist working on a tree care crew in the spring of 2000.  He loved climbing big oaks and relished pruning any tree, big or small.  When he was not pruning for work he could often be spotted somewhere in the city doing ‘guerilla pruning’.

After a short absence from Bruce Tree—while he completed his Masters in Urban Forest Conservation at the University of Toronto and completed a street tree inventory research project for the Town of Oakville—he returned in 2005 to join our consulting division. 

Todd now specializes in the inventory, assessment and preservation of trees, especially during construction. His other consulting interests include ravine restoration, urban forest management plans, and the conservation of mature trees. Todd has a wide range of clients such as architects, landscape architects, engineers, urban planners and homeowners. 

Todd is the Green Living columnist for Eye Weekly magazine. He is also one of the founding editors of Spacing magazine.  He leads guided public tree walks and is often a guest on media programs such as CBC Radio’s Metro Morning.

 

 

A tree he would recommend you see…The giant oaks of Queen's Park.

“In the green space directly north of the Ontario Legislature, with 4 lanes of traffic roaring past on both sides, stand some of the largest and oldest trees in Toronto. About a half dozen hulking red and white oaks are nearly hidden in plain sight amongst the park's canopy of younger trees. But look carefully and you will spot their massive trunks, a couple nearly 5 feet wide. These oaks are remnants of the original forest that once covered this land. I like to stand under them and try to imagine all the change they have seen as the city was built up around them.”

A word of advice…"Know your roots!

The majority of a tree's roots are usually located in the top foot of soil and can extend twice as wide as the tree's crown. Tree roots take up water and nutrients from the soil and anchor the tree against toppling over. Cutting roots to install a patio, walkway or even just turning a flower bed can have negative affects on the tree's health. If the roots severed are large enough the tree could die from lack of water or fall over in a high wind. Before digging in your yard consider where the roots of your tree's are and work with an arborist to develop a plan to protect them.”

(Todd’s full cv. is available to consulting clients upon request).

President and Senior Consultant
I.S.A. Certified Arborist # ON-O101-AT
A.S.C.A. Registered Consulting Arborist

A 1972 graduate from the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Ian has been specializing in arboriculture and urban forestry for over 35 years. 
He has been in the commercial tree care sector for 19 years; a college professor in arboriculture and urban forestry for 25 years and has been providing consulting services to the professions since 1985. 

Clients are predominantly from the public and corporate sector; the largest percentage of these being architects, landscape architects, engineers, urban planners and lawyers.

Ian’s areas of specialty include inventorying, assessment and preservation of trees relative to land development and re-development; tree risk assessment; tree care specifications and forensic arboriculture.

He has previously been qualified as an expert witness and has given testimony numerous times before the OMB and in Ontario Court.

A tree he would recommend you see…(Killbear Provincial Park)  “In the constantly shifting sand of the beach near the boat launch at Beaver Dams Campground is a White Pine in the last stages of a magnificent inter-action with the environment that has been its home since youth.  Its stunted, windswept form and tenacious system of roots clinging for dear life are testaments to a life-long struggle to adapt to the chronic, combined affects of wind and erosion of the sand.

A word of advice… “Trees are our great allies.  Trees need our help.  Advocate for trees”.

Trees are long-lived (perennial), perpetually self-engineering organisms that appreciate in value with every passing year. They are a diary of many events that have occurred since they germinated from a seed and much of what has happened to them can be interpreted from the annual rings visible in the cross-section of the trunk of a fallen or felled tree.  They have an amazing physiological process for responding to wounding of trunk and branches.  Fixed in one location from planting or seed germination to death, they are unequipped to take advantage of the “flight” of the “fight or flight” defense mechanisms.  In every case of adversity, without our help, they are left with no option but to commit themselves to the expenditure of precious stored energy to fight back.  Because they cannot “speak”, they must rely on us to be observant and read signs and symptoms which help us identify and treat “problems” associated with pests, diseases and disorders related to different aspects of their immediate environment.

Large, healthy, structurally sound mature trees are the most valuable asset in any urban landscape…bar none. They are our ever-present companions from child-hood to old age.

We are committed to a role as guardians of these amazing living organisms and as advocates for their significant contribution as a vital thread in the fabric of urban development.

(Ian’s full cv. is available to consulting clients upon request).

Our pest management and Plant Health Care Monitoring is done under contract by a qualified arborist graduate from Humber College, with years of experience diagnosing and managing diseases, insects and abiotic disorders of trees in the GTA.