Sometimes — it depends on the size of the tree and which municipality you're in. Both London and St. Thomas protect larger trees with permit requirements, but the thresholds are different.
London, Ontario
A permit is required to remove a tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 50 centimetres (about 20 inches) or greater. This protects mature trees that contribute significantly to the urban canopy.
St. Thomas, Ontario
The threshold is lower — a permit is required for trees with a DBH of 30 centimetres (about 12 inches) or more. St. Thomas jobs that need a permit typically also require an arborist report.
What "diameter at breast height" means
It's the trunk's diameter measured at 4.5 feet (1.4 metres) above the ground — not at the base, and not at the widest point.
What happens if you skip it
Removing a protected tree without a permit can result in fines from the municipality. It's always worth checking before cutting, even if the tree looks small enough to be exempt.
We handle the paperwork
When we quote a job that needs a permit, we walk you through the application and, in St. Thomas, coordinate the arborist report. You don't have to navigate city hall on your own.