1. Confirm the protected-tree trigger
50 cm Use the exact municipal measurement method and protected-tree definition.
Municipal tree source checked
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2026Private/public scope checked against the municipal source
Tree removal rules in London, ON
A plain-English guide to what London publishes about tree removal and protection. The first question is whether the rule covers your private tree at all—not every City tree bylaw is a private-yard permit bylaw.
CITY-SPECIFIC SUMMARY
What London actually regulates
London’s published tree and bylaw rules, in plain English:
London's Private Tree Protection By-law regulates specified private trees and protected areas rather than treating every residential tree the same way.
The City identifies a distinctive tree as a tree 50 cm or more in diameter in the circumstances described by the by-law, and permit requirements can also depend on whether land is in a Tree Protection Area.
London’s private-tree bylaw regulates “distinctive trees” with a trunk diameter of 50 cm or greater within the Urban Growth Boundary.
Trees of any size can be regulated when they are inside a designated Tree Protection Area.
The City directs owners to use the Private Tree Permit Application for a distinctive tree or dead distinctive tree, and to contact City staff for proposed work inside a Tree Protection Area.
Work in a Tree Protection Area can require an arborist or Registered Professional Forester report depending on the project.
Regional context
London applies its own municipal tree rules within Ontario. See the Ontario tree-rule overview for province-wide context; this page focuses on the ownership, diameter and site rules published for London.
LOCAL QUICK READ
London at a glance
These are the main signals in the London municipal source: who the rule covers, whether a permit path is identified, any published diameter signal, and extra requirements that can change the answer.
Rule scopePrivate-tree rules are identified in the municipal source
Permit signalA permit or authorization process is identified
Diameter numbers found50 cm
Extra requirements namedArborist evidence, Hazard / dead-tree path, Boundary / ownership issue
LOCAL DECISION PATH
What to verify before removing a tree in London
London publishes private-tree controls, so the first job is to identify whether this specific tree is protected before booking removal.
2. Separate private, public and boundary trees
The London source identifies private-tree rules; boulevard, City-owned and shared-boundary trees can follow a different process.
3. Prepare professional evidence if required
The London material names arborist or professional evidence in at least some situations. Do not assume photos alone will satisfy a hazard, health or construction-based application.
4. Apply before removal
If the London source requires authorization, wait for the municipal decision and read the permit conditions before cutting.
General guidance lives separately
For general tree-law concepts, use these guides:
Public vs. private trees · Construction near trees · Tree-removal permits · Arborist reports ·CONSTRUCTION NEAR TREES
Construction and tree protection in London
The source reviewed for London does not justify assuming that ordinary yard construction is always outside tree rules. If work could affect a City tree, boundary tree, protected area or a tree retained through development approval, confirm the municipal requirements before excavation or root disturbance.
Private tree
Local source detailLondon's Private Tree Protection By-law regulates specified private trees and protected areas rather than treating every residential tree the same way.
Open London’s rule ↗City / boulevard tree
Do not self-authorizeIf the trunk is on London municipal land, a boulevard or road allowance, do not self-authorize pruning or removal. Confirm ownership and use the municipality’s tree process.
Check ownership rules ↗Boundary tree
Local source detailIf the trunk sits on or very near a property line in London, confirm ownership before work. Municipal tree rules do not replace private-law rights involving a co-owned or neighbouring tree.
Check local application rules ↗Development site
Often stricterIn London, development work such as demolition, additions or subdivision can bring tree-retention, arborist or replacement requirements into the approval path; use the linked development-tree source for the site.
Check development-tree rules ↗SOURCE TRACE
What we verified for London
Private-tree regulation is identified in the London source. Primary source checked September 13, 2026. This page keeps that local rule separate from general arborist advice and does not import another city’s threshold.
Open primary London source ↗How Tree Rules Canada fact-checks pages →OFFICIAL LINKS
Go straight to London
Use London’s current municipal source before booking removal or construction near a tree. That source controls the current threshold, exceptions, forms, fees and any replacement conditions.
London tree sources checked September 13, 2026. Re-check the linked municipality for current fees, protected-tree definitions and permit steps; Tree Rules Canada is independent.