Checked October 14, 2026

London boulevard trees: planting, pruning and construction protection

London, Ontario, Canada

Request boulevard planting or city-tree inspection through Service London. Residents cannot trim or otherwise work on city trees.

Key information

Request boulevard planting or city-tree inspection through Service London. Residents cannot trim or otherwise work on city trees. Staff assess hazards, utilities and available planting space before arranging work.

On this page

Choose the city-tree request

Choose the city-tree request
Task	Route	What happens
Plant a boulevard tree	Forestry service request	Staff assess overhead and underground constraints
Prune or inspect a city tree	Online request or 519-661-5783	Inspection, then hazard-based priority
Protect trees beside construction	Review tree-protection guidance before work	Retain barriers through project completion
Back-lane tree	Different ownership and lane responsibilities	City does not generally manage lane trees

Sources: Tree maintenance and trimming · Tree planting and watering

Key checks at a glance

London boulevard trees: key checks

New trees and replacements
A resident can request a boulevard tree in front of the home.
Inspections and hazard priority
The city maintains trees on its boulevards, in parks and in woodlands.
How residents can help with water
In hot dry weather, extra water can help newly planted boulevard trees.

Sources: Tree planting and watering · Tree maintenance and trimming

New trees and replacements

A resident can request a boulevard tree in front of the home. Sightlines, overhead wires, underground utilities and existing trees can prevent planting. Staff choose the species under city standards. Planting takes place in spring and fall.

The city tries to replace removed trees after construction, storms or health-related removals. It still assesses whether a replacement is feasible; removal does not promise planting at the identical spot.

Sources: Tree planting and watering

Inspections and hazard priority

The city maintains trees on its boulevards, in parks and in woodlands. Residents cannot perform work because it can injure people or damage utilities. After a trimming request, inspection is expected in the next few weeks, depending on weather and resources.

Actual work is prioritized by hazard and risk. Weather, crew availability, tree condition and work severity affect timing, so an inspection is not a booked pruning date. The city does not spray tent caterpillars. It may remove wasp nests within 10 to 15 feet of ground and uses Ontario Bee Rescue for honey-bee swarms on city trees.

Sources: Tree maintenance and trimming

How residents can help with water

In hot dry weather, extra water can help newly planted boulevard trees. The city suggests about 2.5 cm of water per week for trees, lawns and gardens, including rain. A rain gauge helps avoid guessing.

Apply water slowly around a newly planted tree. The city suggests a five-gallon bucket over about one square metre, with a small drainage hole as one slow-release option. Water early or late to reduce evaporation. Mulch helps retain moisture and protects the tree from lawn equipment.

Sources: Tree planting and watering

Roots, construction and lane exceptions

Roots extend beyond the dripline. Before construction, protect retained trees with barriers at least 1.2 metres high, supported by posts up to 2.4 metres apart. Keep vehicles, repairs, fuel and building materials away from the dripline. Barriers stay until the work ends.

Back lanes are a separate case. Bordering owners are expected to share tree responsibilities and the city has no by-law enforcing cost sharing. Trees on unassumed lanes are not maintained. For a declining tree posing a hazard, the City Engineer may decide whether the city should attend.

Sources: Tree maintenance and trimming · Tree protection