Urban Tree Works is an Ottawa tree care company focused on practical arboriculture and safe, responsible tree work. We maintain trees, improve their health, and remove them when risk or decline leaves no safe alternative. Our work ranges from routine tree pruning and trimming to complex tree removals in tight urban spaces.
Founder Ian Lawford grew up helping manage a tree farm, which laid the foundation for his thoughtful approach to tree care. His passion for arboriculture later led him from silviculture to canopy research studies with Dr. Meg Lowman at the University of North Carolina. Combined with his experience as an avid rock climber, Ian quickly became a lead climber for several tree care companies.
Urban Tree Works was built from a growing need for more proactive tree care, especially as severe storms continue to impact urban environments. Today, Ian and the team are committed to helping clients protect, maintain, and enjoy their trees for years to come.
We take great pride in our intentional, research-based approach to tree care. We deliver knowledgeable tree services grounded in field experience and an educational background in environmental science. From routine tree trimming to complex tree removal in Ottawa, our goals remain the same: Protect people, protect property, and protect the long-term health of urban trees.
Ian leads Urban Tree Works with a background in environmental science, forestry, and hands-on tree work. He earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Trent University and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Carleton University.
Ian’s career has given him a deep appreciation for trees and their natural landscapes. He worked with Dr. Meg Lowman, a well-known canopy researcher, and gained experience studying forest ecosystems and tree canopies. Later, Ian spent time at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, working in a plant selective breeding program. His career also includes six years with the Ministry of Natural Resources, where he gained experience working with forests and natural landscapes across Ontario, as well as time on the West coast of British Columbia working as a tree topper with Alternative Forestry Operations.
