Important: municipal requirements can change and special property conditions can apply. This guide is a starting point, not municipal approval. Confirm your specific project with the applicable city before removing a regulated tree.
We have a certified arborist on staff. We can prepare the arborist report your permit needs and submit the application for you, so you don't have to deal with the paperwork.
London, Ontario
Step 1: Check if the tree is City-owned
Many trees along London's streets, boulevards and parks belong to the City. Homeowners and private tree companies can't legally prune or remove them. Their care is the City's responsibility.
You can check in under a minute:
- Open the City of London Trees map.
- Type your address into the "Find address or place" search bar.
- Zoom in on your property and look for coloured dots.
- Green dot: City-owned tree. Contact the City using the details below.
- Pink dot: City commemorative tree. Also City-owned.
- No dot: the tree is most likely privately owned, and that's where we come in.
Step 2: Check if your private tree needs a permit
London's Tree Protection By-law (C.P.-1555-252) applies to private trees with a trunk diameter of 50 cm or greater measured 1.4 m above natural ground level within the Urban Growth Boundary. Trees of any size in a Tree Protection Area are also regulated. Both the Urban Growth Boundary and Tree Protection Areas are shown on the City tree map above. The by-law also covers trees the City classifies as Distinctive Trees and boundary trees shared with a neighbour.
How the London permit process works:
- The landowner or an authorized representative submits the application.
- An arborist completes a section describing the tree and why the work is needed.
- If a healthy Distinctive Tree is removed, the City requires replacement trees to be planted.
- Completed forms are emailed to trees@london.ca.
St. Thomas, Ontario
St. Thomas' Private Tree Preservation By-law prohibits destroying or injuring a tree with a DBH greater than 30 cm without a permit, subject to the by-law's exemptions and provisions.
- An arborist report is required. Private tree applications won't be accepted without one.
- Application fees: $100 for fewer than 10 trees, $150 for 10 to 100, and $250 for more than 100. Fees are non-refundable.
- Fee exemptions may apply for dead, severely diseased or hazardous trees.
- Shared or boundary trees are covered too.
- A contractor can apply for you with the owner's written authorization.
How to submit: drop off the form with a cheque at the Pinafore Park office (95 Elm St.), or email it to urbanforester@stthomas.ca with credit card details.
Questions? City of St. Thomas Forestry Division
Phone: 519-631-9990 ext. 5205
What is DBH?
DBH means diameter at breast height. London specifies measurement 1.4 metres above natural ground level. Diameter is not the same as circumference: circumference divided by 3.14 gives an approximate diameter.
Do dead or hazardous trees automatically bypass the process?
Do not assume so. Both municipalities have specific provisions for dead, hazardous or emergency trees, and documentation may still be required. Confirm the correct process before non-emergency removal.
Let us handle the permit for you
Our certified arborist can assess your tree, confirm whether a permit is needed, prepare the arborist report, submit the application in London or St. Thomas, and complete the removal once it's approved. Visit our arborist reports page or contact us with the address, tree species if known, approximate DBH and reason for removal.