Vista Tree Management

Vista Tree Management is a Toronto-based arboriculture company founded by Michael Kenins and James May. We specialize in high-level tree care, blending scientific expertise with hands-on experience to deliver exceptional service. Our core offerings include tree pruning, hedge trimming, tree removal, tree planting, and arborist reports, as well as specialized consulting for tree preservation and risk assessment.

Our team consists of ISA Certified Arborists® and Ontario Qualified Arborists, ensuring that every project meets the highest industry standards. Unlike general landscapers or big-box tree services, we focus exclusively on professional tree care, offering tailored solutions for heritage trees, estate properties, construction projects, and urban development.

Specialized Tree Care Rooted in Science
At Vista Tree Management, we take a long-term approach to tree health, ensuring that every service we provide contributes to the longevity and stability of the trees we work on.

Tree Pruning – Proper pruning promotes healthy growth, reduces structural risks, and enhances the natural beauty of trees. We apply advanced techniques based on species, age, and environmental conditions.
Hedge Trimming – We maintain formal hedges with precision, ensuring even growth, structural integrity, and a refined appearance over time. Our team specializes in multi-year restoration for estate and privacy hedges.
Tree Removal – When removal is necessary, we approach it with safety and efficiency, whether it’s due to disease, structural instability, or urban development. Our team is equipped for complex removals, including those involving large, mature trees.
Tree Planting – Selecting the right tree species for an urban or estate environment is critical. We help clients establish healthy, well-placed trees that will thrive in Toronto’s conditions.
Arborist Reports – We provide reports for development permits, construction projects, risk assessments, and tree health evaluations. These reports are crucial for property owners navigating Toronto’s tree protection laws.
For heritage and estate properties, we offer specialized services like mature tree preservation, soil health management, and multi-year care plans. Our expertise also extends to urban forestry consulting, helping developers and architects integrate trees into their planning processes.

Real-World Expertise: Case Studies
Emergency Response & Residential Tree Care

A homeowner in Leaside contacted us in distress. A large honey locust in their backyard had begun uprooting during a storm, leaning toward their shed and children’s play structure. After waiting a week for a response from another company, they called us instead. We arrived within an hour, confirmed a plan by the end of the day, and completed the removal early the next morning. The stump was ground, the site fully restored, and the homeowner described our work as “efficient, professional, and meticulous.”

At a Forest Hill estate, we were entrusted with the restoration of 40-foot beech hedges surrounding a pool. Over years of poor maintenance, they had grown uneven, with thinning sections and dead interior branches. Our team implemented a structured restoration plan, using precision trimming, air circulation techniques, and gradual height reduction to bring the hedges back to their formal shape. The estate owner, a corporate CEO, noted that our team was “consistent, reliable, and delivered the level of detail no one else had.”

In Lytton Park, a well-known philanthropist relied on us to restore emerald cedar privacy hedges damaged by snow and ice. Unlike previous services that provided inconsistent results, our team stabilized the trees, improved their density, and ensured long-term resilience against winter damage.

Tree Care for Construction & Development

For a large estate redevelopment in High Park, we were brought in after multiple companies struggled to handle the project’s complexity. The site, located on a ravine and steep slope, required careful planning to remove five massive oak trees, weighing a total of nearly 10 metric tons. Our team executed the removals efficiently, ensuring the project stayed on schedule while protecting the surrounding environment.

In Lawrence Park, we assisted an architect navigating a last-minute dispute over a boundary tree. A neighbor objected to its removal, insisting it was in excellent health, despite clear evidence of decline. Our investigation included historical records, satellite imagery, root zone air spading, and a formal risk assessment, proving the tree was a liability. We secured a rare permit for removal without mutual consent, ensuring the safety of the site and the integrity of the development.

Industry Leadership & Certifications
Vista Tree Management is more than a service provider—we are committed to elevating arboriculture standards in Canada.

Co-founder Michael Kenins is an ISA Certified Arborist, Ontario Qualified Arborist (444A), licensed arborist in Manitoba, a Certified Tree Safety Professional, and Qualified Tree Appraiser (ArborCanada). He has an undergraduate arts degree in Business, as well as post-graduate studies in Forestry and a Project Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. Michael also served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Commercial Arborist Association, where he contributed to advancing industry best practices.

Co-founder James May is a Certified Arborist with extensive experience in tree care, preservation, and tree management for residential and commercial projects. Together, they lead a highly trained team focused on science-based tree care and ethical business practices.

Vista Tree Management is also a certified Ontario Living Wage employer, ensuring that our team members receive fair compensation and opportunities for professional growth. This commitment earned us a Certificate of Recognition from the Ontario government and the Jobber Award for Career Building, recognizing our role in creating stable, skilled careers in arboriculture.

Our leadership team is also involved in education and mentorship. Senior staff work as instructors at Humber College’s Arborist Apprenticeship Program, training the next generation of arborists and ensuring the future of professional tree care remains strong.

Recognized by National & Industry Media
Vista Tree Management’s expertise has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Martha Stewart, and Landscape Trades, where our work in arboriculture, ethical employment practices, and advanced tree care has been highlighted.

In an interview with Martha Stewart, co-founder Michael Kenins advised homeowners on tree selection for urban environments:

“The Southern magnolia is often seen on sprawling estates, but in a normal residential yard, it can turn into a total monster. Its aggressive root system and constant leaf drop can wreak havoc on plumbing and hardscaping,” he explained.

Our science-driven approach to tree preservation and practical expertise make us a trusted authority for estate owners, developers, and urban planners in Toronto.

A Reputation Built on Trust & Expertise
At Vista Tree Management, we go beyond basic tree care—we offer strategic, long-term solutions that preserve landscapes and enhance property value. Whether restoring an estate’s historic trees, assisting in high-stakes development projects, or responding to urgent tree hazards, our team delivers unmatched precision, consistency, and professionalism.

We believe that well-managed trees are an investment, and our clients trust us to provide solutions that ensure their trees thrive for generations.