Claim Your $1,000 City of London Tree Care Rebate

The 2026 municipal budget is currently active. See if your property qualifies for up to $1,000 in cash-back funding, and get matched with city-approved arborists to handle the rest.

2026 FUNDING POOL: ACTIVE

100% of Municipal Budget Remaining

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See if your tree could qualify for up to $1,000 back

If you have a mature tree that needs care, this quick walkthrough shows you what the City supports, who can apply, and how to take the next step without guessing.

  • Find out what work may be covered
  • Understand the process before you pay anything
  • Move confidently into the rebate details below
A fast look at whether your tree, your property, and your project may be a fit.

Municipal Cash-Back Rebate

The City of London provides up to a $1,000 reimbursement per mature tree for structural pruning and essential care.

This program is designed to preserve London's "Forest City" canopy by encouraging homeowners to maintain mature trees before they become hazards.

Important Requirement

This is a reimbursement grant. Homeowners must pay the arborist upfront and submit the "Offer of Award" and final invoice to receive the city cheque.

Stop Risking Property Damage and Municipal Fines

We built LondonTreeGrant.ca to solve the three biggest headaches in local property maintenance.

By-Law Confusion

Terrified of municipal fines? We remove the regulatory guesswork between the 50cm "Distinctive Tree" permit and the 40cm TCCP grant. Get paid to preserve, not fined for touching.

Unvetted Contractors

The City requires qualified tree professionals for funded work. We help you connect with insured ISA arborists who understand municipal quote requirements.

Historic Neighborhoods

We protect the historic canopy in neighborhoods like Old North, Wortley Village, Old South, and Woodfield. Protect your property value and environmental assets.

Vetted. Pre-Screened. ISA Certified.

We reduce contractor anxiety by helping you connect with qualified professionals who understand City of London tree-care requirements.

ISA Certified

Every arborist on our platform holds active International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) credentials.

Pre-Screened

We prioritize insured, WSIB-aware professionals and encourage homeowners to confirm credentials before work begins.

Grant-Optimized

Qualified pros can format quotes around the details City staff typically need to review an application.

Regulatory Guide: 40cm vs 50cm

Understanding the difference between maintenance grants and removal permits.

QUALIFIES FOR GRANT

40cm Diameter Tree

A mature tree that requires structural care to prolong its life and safety.

  • Eligible for $1,000 Rebate
  • No removal permit required
  • Focus on maintenance & health
Maintenance
REQUIRES PERMIT

50cm "Distinctive Tree"

Any tree with a diameter of 50cm or greater at chest height is protected by city by-law.

  • Removal permit MANDATORY
  • Hefty fines for unpermitted work
  • Maintenance still grant-eligible
Mature tree canopy

London's $1,000 Tree Grant at a Glance

The core eligibility rules, application roadmap, and 40cm vs. 50cm distinction in one quick visual guide.

Infographic summarizing London's 2026 Tree Canopy Conservation Program, including 40 centimeter DBH eligibility, approved maintenance, qualified arborist requirements, offer of award process, reimbursement, and tree by-law distinctions.
Use this guide to understand when a mature tree may qualify for maintenance funding and when removal rules may apply.

How the Municipal Cash-Back Rebate Works

This is a premium reimbursement designed to offset the cost of necessary structural care. We make the process effortless.

1

Step 1: Get Your Mandatory Quote (Do This Today)

You cannot start work yet. The City requires a formal, itemized site assessment from a "Qualified Arborist" before funding is secured. Request your Step 1 quote through us.

2

Step 2: Secure Your "Offer of Award"

Submit your quote to the City's digital portal. If approved, the City issues a formal "Offer of Award" confirming the amount available before work begins.

3

Step 3: Complete the Work & Get Reimbursed

Your arborist completes the work. You pay the contractor in full, submit the zero-balance invoice, and receive your municipal cheque via Canada Post within 4 weeks.

Broad Eligibility: No Income Limits

The 2026 TCCP features broad accessibility with absolutely zero income limits, lot size minimums, or property value restrictions.

  • Non-resident property owners
  • Absentee landlords
  • Real estate investors
  • Rental portfolio managers

Don't Leave Money on the Table

Because the current intake window just opened, the annual municipal budget is currently active—but it will run out fast as the spring landscaping season accelerates.

Don't wait until a heavy storm damages your mature tree. Take proactive action today to bridge the gap between intent and compliance.

Tools & Dashboards

Fast, high-intent tools that help homeowners understand risk, canopy health, and grant timing at a glance.

Neighborhood stats

Canopy Dashboard

Compare your neighborhood to the citywide 34% canopy goal and see where preservation matters most.

Open Dashboard
Cost comparison

Risk Calculator

Compare proactive maintenance with emergency crane removal before a storm turns one tree into a major bill.

Compare Costs
Seasonal rules

Oak Wilt Timer

See whether oak pruning is currently in the quarantine window or safely inside the winter pruning season.

Check Oak Timing
Rebate path

Grant Guide

Learn how the reimbursement model works and what the $1,000 municipal grant can cover for mature trees.

Read the Guide

Homeowner FAQ

Everything you need to know about the 2026 Tree Canopy Conservation Program (TCCP).

Do I need a permit to prune or remove a Silver Maple in London?

Silver maples are common in London but prone to structural failure. Whether you need a permit depends on size. To remove a tree with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of 50cm or more, you must obtain a removal permit. However, if your tree is 40cm DBH or larger, you may qualify for the municipal conservation grant to safely maintain it instead.

How much does the City of London pay for tree pruning?

The City pays up to a maximum of $1,000 per qualifying tree. This is a cash-back reimbursement model. You must pay your qualified arborist in full first. Once you submit a zero-balance invoice to the City, they will mail you a physical municipal cheque via Canada Post within four weeks.

What exactly is considered a "Distinctive Tree" in London, Ontario?

Under the City of London's Tree Protection By-law, a "Distinctive Tree" is any privately owned tree within the Urban Growth Boundary with a DBH of 50 centimeters or greater. Removal restrictions start at 50cm, while conservation incentives (grants) start at 40cm.

How do I measure DBH for a tree permit or the conservation grant?

DBH stands for "Diameter at Breast Height." Take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the trunk exactly 1.4 meters above ground level. Divide that circumference by 3.14 (Pi) to get your DBH. If the result is 40cm or more, your tree is eligible for the grant.

Are Oak trees eligible for the London tree grant?

Yes, but they require specific handling due to Oak Wilt. Pruning Oak trees during warmer months is strictly against the law. Work is deferred to the winter dormancy period (November to March). The City may offer higher funding for Oak tree applications to encourage compliance with this quarantine.

How do I find a "qualified arborist" in London, Ontario?

You must use a professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), ASCA, or a Registered Professional Forester (RPF). Note: Utility arborists do not qualify as they are trained for power line clearance, not the delicate structural conservation work funded by the TCCP.

Does the London tree rebate cover cabling and bracing?

Absolutely. The grant specifically covers physical mechanical support systems like cables, braces, and props. These prevent catastrophic failure while allowing the tree to safely develop "reaction wood."

What is the fine for cutting down a tree in London, Ontario?

Unauthorized injury or destruction of a Distinctive Tree without a permit carries severe financial penalties. It is much safer and more profitable to check your eligibility for a $1,000 grant to secure the tree instead.

Can landlords and real estate investors apply?

Yes! Non-resident property owners, landlords, and absentee owners are fully eligible. You do not need to reside at the property to protect its value and curb appeal with TCCP funds.

How long does the London tree grant process take?

The timeline is generally: 1. Quote from a qualified arborist. 2. Online submission. 3. City review. 4. "Offer of Award" issued if approved. 5. Work completion. 6. Reimbursement cheque delivery after final invoice submission.

Check Your Grant Eligibility