The Rebate
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Do I need a permit for a silver maple in London?

Silver Maples (Acer saccharinum) are one of London's most common mature tree species. While they provide massive canopy coverage, they are notorious for structural failure, weak wood, and invasive root systems.

The 50cm Rule for Removal

In the City of London, any tree with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of 50cm or greater is classified as a "Distinctive Tree" under the Tree Protection By-law. To remove a Silver Maple of this size, you MUST apply for a municipal permit. Removing a Distinctive Tree without a permit can result in fines starting at $500 to $10,000 per tree.

The 40cm Opportunity for Preservation

If your Silver Maple is between 40cm and 50cm DBH, you are in the "sweet spot" for the Tree Canopy Conservation Program (TCCP). Instead of paying thousands for removal, the City will pay YOU (via reimbursement) up to $1,000 to have an ISA Certified Arborist perform structural pruning, cabling, or deadwood removal to prolong the tree's life and safety.

Structural Warning

Silver Maples often develop "included bark" in V-shaped crotches. This is a major failure point. The grant specifically covers dynamic cabling systems to prevent these limbs from splitting during London's heavy ice storms.

Next Steps for Homeowners

Don't wait for a storm to decide the fate of your Silver Maple. Start by measuring your tree's circumference at 1.4m height with our DBH tutorial and using our calculator to determine your grant eligibility.

Measure Your Silver Maple Now

Input your measurements to instantly see if you qualify for the $1,000 preservation rebate.

Launch Grant Calculator

Next steps for Silver Maple rules

Related links

Silver Maple owners usually need the rebate guide, a service page, and a neighborhood example to understand the full picture.

Best next step $1,000 rebate guide

Understand how reimbursement works before you book work.

Read guide
Service Structural pruning service

Learn which maintenance tasks can keep a Silver Maple safe and eligible.

Neighborhood Woodfield neighborhood

See how the grant applies in heritage-heavy residential areas.

Hub Open the tools hub

Return to the homepage tool section when you’re ready to compare options.

Check Your Grant Eligibility