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Private tree permits in London: protected trees and application evidence
London, Ontario, Canada
London protects private trees at least 50 cm in trunk diameter within the Urban Growth Boundary, and trees of every size in mapped Tree Protection Areas..
Key information
London protects private trees at least 50 cm in trunk diameter within the Urban Growth Boundary, and trees of every size in mapped Tree Protection Areas. Obtain the required permit before injuring or removing a protected tree.
On this page
Choose the tree permit category
| Situation | Route | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Distinctive tree outside a Tree Protection Area | Private Tree Permit | Arborist report and reason for proposed work |
| Dead distinctive tree | Private Tree Permit | Arborist opinion confirming natural irreversible decline |
| Any tree in a Tree Protection Area | Contact trees@london.ca with project description | Arborist or forester report, depending on area and work |
| City boulevard tree | Separate city-tree rules | Do not treat it as a private tree |
Sources: Privately owned trees
Key checks at a glance
- Measure and identify the land
The by-law measures trunk diameter at 1.4 metres above natural ground.
- Application evidence and decision
Include owner and applicant details, the property address and legal description, agent authorization where needed, corporate information if applicable and contractor details if known.
- Permit duration, replacement and construction protection
The permit states which tree and work are authorized.
Sources: Consolidated Tree Protection By-law · Tree protection
Measure and identify the land
The by-law measures trunk diameter at 1.4 metres above natural ground. A 50 cm threshold applies within the Urban Growth Boundary outside a Tree Protection Area. The mapped protection area changes the rule: trees there are protected regardless of size.
Do not judge protection only from a trunk near the house. Check the city map and the by-law’s area maps. A boundary tree may have more than one owner; all owners or their agents must apply. A boundary touching a city-owned boulevard is governed by the boulevard-tree by-law instead.
Sources: Consolidated Tree Protection By-law
Application evidence and decision
Include owner and applicant details, the property address and legal description, agent authorization where needed, corporate information if applicable and contractor details if known. A distinctive-tree or area permit needs an arborist report; a dead-tree application needs an arborist opinion.
The city considers evidence such as unsafe condition, structural damage, contaminated-soil remediation, necessary services, a building project, pool location or sound arboricultural or forestry practice. A desire to clear land is not itself a guaranteed approval. Staff must be satisfied there is no reasonable alternative and can consider ecology, erosion, nesting birds and endangered species.
Additional evidence may include a site drawing, schedule, tree inventory, management plan or forester prescription. Supply requested information within 60 days; an incomplete file can be closed.
Sources: Consolidated Tree Protection By-law
Permit duration, replacement and construction protection
The permit states which tree and work are authorized. Unless it explicitly states another expiry, the by-law says it expires six months after issue. It applies to the named person and site and cannot be transferred. Follow replacement-tree and other conditions. Insufficient room for required replacements can lead to off-site planting fees.
Protect retained trees before construction. Keep vehicles, fuel, stockpiles and equipment out of their dripline, and place barriers as far out as possible. The city guidance uses barriers at least 1.2 metres high with posts no more than 2.4 metres apart. Roots extend beyond the canopy, so a fence at the trunk is not enough.
Sources: Consolidated Tree Protection By-law · Tree protection
Questions and answers
Where does the 50 cm threshold apply?
To private trees within the Urban Growth Boundary outside Tree Protection Areas.
Source: Privately owned trees
How is trunk diameter measured?
At 1.4 metres above natural ground under the by-law.
Are small trees protected in a mapped area?
Yes. The Tree Protection Area rule applies to trees of any size.
Can I simply remove a dead protected tree?
Use the dead distinctive-tree permit route and provide an arborist opinion. Do not assume the permit requirement disappears.
Source: Privately owned trees
What if the tree crosses a property boundary?
All owners or their authorized agents must apply; a city boulevard boundary uses separate rules.
Does a building permit automatically approve tree removal?
No. It may support an application, but the tree permit and its conditions remain separate.
How long do I have to provide requested information?
The by-law gives 60 days for required additional information before an incomplete file can close.
How long is a tree permit valid?
Only for its stated period; if no other expiry is written, six months from issue.
Can I give the permit to a new owner?
No. The by-law says permits cannot be transferred and ownership changes can affect validity.
Can I store building material under a retained tree?
No. City construction guidance says keep stockpiles out of the dripline.
Source: Tree protection