Straight answers on removal costs, permits, storm damage, pests and more — written for homeowners and businesses across London, St. Thomas & Elgin County.
Answers to the tree removal, trimming, and property questions we hear most from homeowners and businesses across our service area. Have a question that isn't here? Ask us directly or call (226) 582-3881.
Most residential tree removals in the London and St. Thomas area range from a few hundred dollars for a small tree to several thousand for a large tree near a structure or power line. Price depends on height, species, lean, and access. We provide free, itemized on-site quotes before any work begins.
Yes, if the trunk is 30 cm or wider measured 4.5 ft above ground. St. Thomas also requires a $150 arborist report alongside the $100 permit fee for protected trees. We help confirm whether your tree needs a permit and can handle the paperwork.
London's tree protection bylaw generally applies to trunks 50 cm or wider. Smaller trees and most dead or hazardous trees are typically exempt, but it's worth confirming before cutting — we check this as part of every quote.
Common signs include bare or sparse branches during the growing season, brittle limbs that snap easily, fungal growth at the base, peeling or missing bark, and a hollow sound when the trunk is tapped. A professional assessment is the safest way to confirm.
Sometimes. Frozen ground can make access easier for equipment, and tree service companies are often less busy outside storm season, which can mean more flexible scheduling. Emergency winter storm work is priced the same as any emergency call.
Crane-assisted removal uses a crane to lift and lower cut sections of a tree instead of dropping them, which is safer for large or hazardous trees close to homes, power lines, or tight lots where traditional rigging isn't practical.
Trees can be removed safely even when touching a structure, using controlled rigging or a crane to lower sections instead of felling the whole tree. The closer the tree, the more this kind of controlled approach matters.
Stay away from the area, check for downed power lines and call the utility company if you see any, then contact a tree service for emergency removal and your insurance company to start a claim. Don't attempt to move or cut the tree yourself.
Often, yes, particularly when a tree falls on a structure or vehicle during a storm. Coverage varies by policy, so it's worth confirming with your insurer. We provide documentation and itemized invoices that insurers typically request.
Most mature shade trees benefit from pruning every 3–5 years. Young trees often do better with lighter structural pruning every year or two. Fruit trees usually need annual attention for health and yield.
Late winter to early spring, while most trees are dormant, is ideal for structural pruning. Dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs should be removed as soon as they're noticed, regardless of season.
Improper pruning — especially topping, where large limbs are cut back to stubs — can seriously weaken or kill a tree over time. Proper cuts at the branch collar, done by a trained crew, don't harm a healthy tree.
Topping removes too much of the canopy at once, triggers weak, fast-growing regrowth, and creates wounds that are prone to decay and disease. It also permanently damages the tree's natural structure and shortens its lifespan.
Stump grinding cost depends on stump diameter and root spread. It's often bundled with a full tree removal, but can also be booked separately for stumps left over from previous work.
It will slowly decay over several years, can sprout new shoots, and may attract wood-boring insects or fungus. Grinding it below grade lets you reuse the space immediately and prevents these issues.
Once a stump is ground below grade and the hole is filled with topsoil, grass seed or sod can typically be placed within a week or two, once the area has settled.
Warning signs include visible lean that's increased over time, large dead branches, cracks or splits in the trunk, fungus at the base indicating root decay, and roots that have been damaged by construction or excavation.
In Ontario, a tree is generally considered jointly owned if the trunk sits on the property line. Branches overhanging a neighbour's property can typically be trimmed back to the line, but it's best to discuss significant work with your neighbour first.
This depends on the circumstances, including whether the tree was known to be hazardous beforehand. In most cases in Ontario, each homeowner's own insurance covers damage on their property, regardless of whose tree fell.
Clear vehicles, outdoor furniture and toys from the drop zone and access path, let neighbours know if a shared fence line is involved, and confirm pet and child access is restricted during the work.
A single large tree removal typically takes a few hours from setup to clean-up, though size, access, and proximity to structures can extend that. Crane-assisted jobs are often faster despite the extra equipment involved.
Tree removal typically targets one or a few specific trees. Land clearing removes all trees, brush and stumps across a defined area — commonly done ahead of new construction or to reclaim an overgrown lot.
St. Thomas requires an arborist report for protected trees above the bylaw's diameter threshold. Smaller municipalities in Elgin County may have different or no such requirement — we confirm this as part of every quote in the area.
Yes. Decay, root failure and structural weakness can cause a dead or dying tree to fail even without wind or storms, which is part of why dead trees near homes or driveways should be addressed proactively.
Emerald ash borer has devastated ash trees across the region, and Dutch elm disease continues to affect American elms. Oak wilt and various fungal root rots also appear locally. A visual inspection can often identify early warning signs.
Ash trees with significant emerald ash borer damage rarely recover and become increasingly hazardous as the wood weakens. Removal is usually recommended once dieback is substantial, especially near structures or walkways.
Emergency removals — especially after-hours or in severe weather — typically cost more than scheduled work due to the urgency, risk, and crew availability required. Insurance often covers storm-related emergency costs.
Yes, especially with species like silver maple and willow that have aggressive, shallow root systems. Root damage to hardscaping or foundations is one of several reasons a tree might need removal even if it otherwise looks healthy.
A proper quote should cover the removal itself, stump handling (left in place or ground), debris chipping and haul-away, and clean-up of the work area. Ask what's included before comparing prices between companies.
Confirm the company is fully insured, ask for proof of WSIB coverage, check recent local reviews, and get a detailed written quote. Be cautious of door-to-door storm-chasers offering cash deals with no documentation.
Tree "B" Gone