London Tree Planting & Removal Permits - City Bylaw

Land Use and Zoning Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, residents and property owners must follow municipal rules on planting, maintaining and removing trees on both private property and in public boulevards. This guide explains the city departments responsible, when a permit or approval is required, how to request removal of a City tree, and practical steps to stay compliant with London bylaws and Urban Forestry practices. Use the official City of London pages below for applications and to report concerns.

Always check with Urban Forestry before removing or planting a tree in a boulevard.

What the rules cover

The City of London manages trees on public lands and provides guidance for private property owners. Municipal rules address planting on boulevards, protection of significant trees during development, and requests to remove or prune City-owned trees. For official program details and criteria for City tree removal or boulevard planting, consult the City Forestry pages City of London - Trees[1] and the page for requesting removal or pruning of a City tree Request to remove or prune a City tree[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of tree-related rules is handled by Municipal Law Enforcement and Forestry staff depending on whether the tree is on City property or private land. Specific monetary fines and escalation steps are set out in municipal enforcement procedures and applicable bylaws; where a specific fine amount or escalation schedule is not reproduced on the City pages, it is noted below as not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcer: Municipal Law Enforcement and Urban Forestry (City of London). See contact and complaint options on the city site Municipal Law Enforcement[3].
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences and daily continuing fines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to replant, stop-work orders, replacement costs and court actions may be applied; specific orders are issued under municipal authority and described on enforcement pages (see above).
  • Inspection and complaints: report concerns through the City's Forestry or Municipal Law Enforcement contact pages; an inspection will be scheduled according to City procedures.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are via the administrative or court processes identified in the applicable bylaw or order; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If a tree is on City property (boulevard, park), you must use the City's removal/pruning request process.

Applications & Forms

  • City tree removal/pruning request: official request instructions and online submission are provided on the City page for removing or pruning a City tree Request to remove or prune a City tree[2].
  • Fees: any applicable fees for City services or permits are described on the City pages; specific fee figures are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Deadlines: submission timing for requests is described on the request page; exact deadlines for appeals or responses are not specified on the cited pages.

Practical compliance steps

  • Before planting or removing, check whether the tree sits on City land (boulevard) or private property.
  • Contact Urban Forestry to confirm permit requirements and arrange inspection where required.
  • Submit the City tree removal/pruning request form if the tree is City-owned.
  • If work is part of construction or development, coordinate with Planning/Building and include tree protection measures in approvals.
  • Pay any required fees and comply with replanting or remediation orders if issued.
Removing a City tree without approval can trigger enforcement action and replacement orders.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on private property?
It depends on the species, size and whether the tree is protected under a development agreement or municipal tree protection bylaw; consult Urban Forestry for your property. See the City of London trees information City of London - Trees[1].
How do I request removal of a City-owned boulevard tree?
Use the City's request process for removal or pruning of City trees available on the City website Request to remove or prune a City tree[2].
Who enforces tree bylaws and how do I complain?
Municipal Law Enforcement and Urban Forestry enforce tree rules; complaints or reports are submitted through the City's enforcement/contact pages Municipal Law Enforcement[3].

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is on City property (boulevard/park) or private property.
  2. If City-owned, open the City request page and complete the removal/pruning request online or by phone.
  3. If on private property and part of development, check planning conditions and include tree protection in your permit application.
  4. Follow any inspection instructions, pay fees if required, and comply with replanting or remediation orders.
  5. If you receive an order or fine, follow the appeal instructions on the order and submit appeals within the time limits stated on the order or bylaw (if not specified, contact Municipal Law Enforcement).

Key Takeaways

  • Always check with Urban Forestry before altering boulevard or City trees.
  • Use the official City removal/pruning request for City-owned trees.
  • Contact Municipal Law Enforcement for enforcement, complaints and inspections.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London - Trees (Urban Forestry)
  2. [2] City of London - Request to remove or prune a City tree
  3. [3] City of London - Municipal Law Enforcement

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