London Tree Pruning Bylaw: Schedule & Owner Roles

Parks and Public Spaces Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, property owners and the City share responsibility for the urban forest: the municipality maintains trees on public land while owners are generally responsible for trees on private property, including hazards that may affect public safety. This guide explains how the City schedules pruning and maintenance, what owners must do to meet municipal bylaws and expectations, how enforcement and appeals work, and where to find official applications and contacts. Use the action steps below to confirm who is responsible for a given tree, report hazards, apply for permits if required, and complete appeals or compliance actions.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of London enforces tree, boulevard and public-space rules through Parks and By-law Enforcement. Specific monetary fines and escalation ranges are not specified on the cited pages; see the official links for enforcement details and to file complaints. [1][2]

  • Enforcer: Parks & Recreation - Forestry operations and By-law Enforcement investigate complaints and inspect municipal and private trees.
  • Fines: exact fine amounts and per-day continuing offence rates are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences escalation details are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary orders: the City may issue remedial orders to prune, remove or make safe trees on private property affecting public rights of way.
  • Inspection & complaints: report safety risks or suspected bylaw breaches via the City report page; inspectors may attend and document violations.
  • Appeals & review: appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages; check the enforcing department for appeal procedures and deadlines.
Enforcement details and fine schedules are listed on municipal pages; if you need exact figures, consult the enforcement contacts below.

Applications & Forms

The City web pages referenced do not publish a specific, named "tree permit" form on the cited pages; if a permit or application is required for work affecting municipal trees or protected trees, the Parks or Planning pages will identify the form and fee structure. For immediate tasks (reporting hazards or requesting municipal pruning) use the City report page linked below. [2]

How owners should act

  • Assess risk: inspect for dead branches, lean, root damage or disease; act quickly where public safety is affected.
  • Confirm jurisdiction: the City is responsible for boulevard and park trees; owners are responsible for private-property trees adjacent to public areas.
  • Report hazards: use the City report link to request inspection and priority response.[2]
  • Hire qualified arborists: for private tree work, retain certified professionals who follow municipal standards and obtain permits if required.
When in doubt, report a hazardous tree to the City for inspection before attempting removal.

FAQ

Who is responsible for pruning trees on my property?
Property owners are generally responsible for trees on private property; the City maintains trees on public boulevards and parks. For boundary or boulevard trees, consult the City tree pages.[1]
Do I need a permit to prune or remove a tree?
Specific permit requirements and published forms are not specified on the cited pages; if a permit is required, the Parks or Planning sections will provide the form, fees and submission instructions.
How do I report a dangerous or fallen tree?
Report immediate hazards and fallen trees to the City report page; emergency response procedures are outlined there.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the tree location and whether it is on private property, the boulevard, or parkland.
  2. Photograph the tree and any damage or hazard for records.
  3. Use the City report page to submit a hazard report with photos and location details.[2]
  4. Follow any City instructions: scheduling of inspection, remedial order, or confirmation that City crews will handle municipal trees.
  5. If the City issues an order affecting your private property, follow the order or file the prescribed appeal within the department timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Owners manage private trees; the City manages boulevard and park trees.
  • Specific fines and permit lists are not specified on the cited pages—contact the relevant City department for exact figures.
  • Report hazards promptly via the City report page to trigger inspection and enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London - Trees and urban forestry
  2. [2] City of London - Report a concern

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data