Canada Tree-Trimming Job Sparks Debate After Indian Expat Reveals CAD 700 Charge for One-Hour Service
An Indian man in Canada sparked online debate after revealing he paid CAD 700 for a one-hour tree-trimming service. Shared on Instagram by Vishal, the incident highlights the high earning potential of skilled trades, operational costs, and risks involved, while social media users debated profits, expenses, and the value of practical expertise in developed economies.
Vishal, who shared the experience on Instagram, stated that he paid a tree trimming professional CAD 700 (approximately 49,113 Indian rupees) to remove overgrown branches at his home. The entire job was completed within approximately one hour.
According to Vishal, the professional remains fully booked during the summer season and transitions to snow removal work during the winter months in Canada, ensuring consistent income throughout the year. He noted that such skilled trade occupations can be highly lucrative for individuals with the right expertise, equipment, and experience.
He further emphasized that tree trimming is not limited to physical labour alone. It requires technical knowledge, specialised machinery, expensive tools, transport vehicles, and professional experience. Vishal also highlighted the risks involved in the work, including potential injuries and property damage, which significantly influence service pricing.
He explained that the flat fee charged by such professionals also accounts for multiple business expenses, including fuel, commercial insurance, equipment maintenance, licensing requirements, and taxes. Vishal encouraged viewers to reconsider conventional career perspectives and acknowledge the earning potential in skilled trade and service-based professions.
The video quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with several users agreeing that countries like Canada place substantial value on skilled labour. Many users observed that professions such as plumbing, electrical work, landscaping, snow removal, and tree trimming can often generate higher income than many office-based roles, as pricing reflects expertise, liability, and operational costs rather than only labour time.
Online reactions also highlighted the inherent risks associated with the profession. One user commented, “Brother, he is taking a big risk not only for himself but also for others around him. If that tiny branch injures someone, then his whole business will be affected.”
Another user challenged the financial interpretation, stating, “You are making these balance sheet assumptions without verification. He made 700 dollars, but what about his equipment lease cost and expenses? Average profit margin is somewhere between 10 percent and 30 percent in Canada in the service industry. This means he made only 70 to 210 dollars from you alone. You have never run a business in Canada, and it shows.”
A third user added, “This is the reality of Canada. In many fields, a practical skill is worth far more than a university degree.”
The incident has reignited discussion on the value of skilled trades in developed economies, underscoring how technical expertise, risk exposure, and operational costs collectively determine service pricing in real-world markets.

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