About Us
Simcoe County's
Most Trusted
Tree Service
Founded on the principles of safety, expertise, and genuine care for our clients and the trees we work on, Axe & Wedge Tree Works has grown to become the most reviewed and highest-rated tree service in Simcoe County.
Our Story
Professional Tree Care Done Right
Axe & Wedge Tree Works was built around a simple conviction: tree work should be done by trained professionals who take safety, quality, and customer service seriously. Too often, homeowners hire whoever has the lowest price and a pickup truck — only to be left with butchered trees, damaged property, and zero recourse.
Our team of qualified arborists brings formal training, industry certification, and real-world experience to every job. We follow ANSI A300 standards for all pruning work, carry comprehensive insurance, and never cut corners on safety equipment or technique.
We serve residential and commercial clients throughout Simcoe County — from Barrie to Collingwood, Midland to Orillia and every township in between. Our 598 Google reviews and perfect 5.0 rating reflect a team that shows up on time, communicates clearly, and leaves your property cleaner than we found it.
Meet the Team
The People Behind
Every Job
Axe & Wedge is a family-owned operation. When you work with us, you work with us directly — not a call centre, not a subcontractor.
Kyle Merritt
Owner
Kyle originally started Axe & Wedge Co., which became Axe & Wedge Tree Works Ltd. when he brought Devin into the mix. With a strong background in residential and commercial construction project management, Kyle drives the company’s sales and client relationships — and is the person most homeowners meet first when they request a quote. He walks every property himself, explains the scope honestly, and builds the kind of trust that turns a one-time tree removal into a long-term client relationship. His construction experience means he understands how tree work affects structures, grading, and site access in ways that most tree companies miss.
Devin Glage
Owner
Devin co-founded Axe & Wedge Tree Works in 2017 after more than a decade working in the tree care industry across Simcoe County and Muskoka. He leads the company’s arborist operations, crew training, and safety standards — setting the bar for how every job is planned and executed. An ISA member and hands-on operator, Devin is as likely to be found running a crane removal as he is reviewing a complex risk assessment. His obsession with doing the job right — not just getting it done — is one of the reasons Axe & Wedge holds a 5.0 rating across nearly 600 Google reviews.
Braydon Merritt
Project Manager
Braydon is the person clients interact with most after approving a quote. He manages scheduling, site visits, and day-of coordination — making sure every project runs on time and to spec. Known across the team for his attention to detail and clear communication, Braydon visits properties ahead of each job to confirm access, review scope, and flag anything that could cause a delay. When the crew wraps up, he walks the site to make sure the cleanup meets Axe & Wedge standards before anyone leaves.
Megan Emery
Office Manager
Megan is the voice of Axe & Wedge. When you call, she is the first person you talk to — and the reason so many clients mention the phone experience in their reviews. She manages intake, scheduling, follow-ups, and keeps the entire operation running behind the scenes. Megan treats every call like it matters, whether it is a midnight emergency or a routine quote request. Her ability to listen, triage, and connect clients with the right team member quickly is a big part of why Axe & Wedge responds faster than anyone else in the county.
Certifications & Insurance
We meet and exceed industry standards so you have complete peace of mind.
ISA Member
Our arborists are members of the International Society of Arboriculture, requiring ongoing education and strict adherence to industry best practices and ANSI A300 standards.
TCIA Member
We are proud members of the Tree Care Industry Association, holding ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and ethical business practices in tree care.
Fully Insured
We carry comprehensive general liability insurance ($5M+) and WSIB coverage for all crew members. Proof of insurance available upon request before any work begins.
Google Verified
Google has verified our background, insurance, and licences — and re-checks them continuously. View our Google Verified profile to confirm our status independently.
Learn more →Work With Us
Experience the Axe & Wedge difference for yourself. Get a free, no-obligation quote from our qualified team.