The Complete Homeowner's Guide to Tree Permits, By-Laws, and Grants in London, Ontario

For homeowners in London, Ontario, tree care often comes with a web of confusion. When do you need a municipal permit? What happens if you cut down a tree without one? And most importantly, is it true the city will actually pay you to maintain your trees?

This guide breaks down exactly how the City of London's Tree Protection By-law works, the difference between removal permits and maintenance grants, and how you can secure up to $1,000 in cash-back funding for your property.

The Regulatory Landscape: When Do You Need a Permit?

The City of London strictly regulates the injury or destruction of trees on private property through the Tree Protection By-law. The entire system revolves around one vital measurement: DBH, or Diameter at Breast Height.

The 50cm "Distinctive Tree" Rule

Under the by-law, any tree with a trunk diameter of 50 centimeters or greater, measured 1.4 meters from the ground, is legally classified as a "Distinctive Tree."

If your tree hits this 50cm threshold, you must apply for and receive a formal Tree Removal Permit before cutting it down. Removing a Distinctive Tree without a permit, or hiring an unvetted contractor who prunes it so aggressively that it dies, can result in municipal fines well into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Not sure how big your tree is? Check out our quick guide on How to Measure DBH to see if your tree falls under the by-law.

The 40cm Threshold: Getting Paid to Preserve

Here is the secret most homeowners don't know: while restrictions start at 50cm, municipal financial incentives start at 40cm.

Through the 2026 Tree Canopy Conservation Program (TCCP), the City of London offers a cash-back reimbursement of up to $1,000 per mature tree for proactive structural maintenance. The goal is simple: the city wants to help you pay to make your tree safe now, so you do not have to pay to cut it down later.

If your tree is 40cm DBH or larger, you may qualify for funding to cover structural pruning, cabling and bracing, and crown thinning.

• Structural Pruning: Removing dead, dying, or hazardous branches overhanging roofs or driveways.
• Cabling and Bracing: Installing physical supports to prevent weak branches from splitting during high winds or ice storms.
• Crown Thinning: Reducing the weight of the canopy to lower the risk of failure.

Note: This grant is entirely focused on preservation. It cannot be used for tree removal, stump grinding, or planting. See our full $1,000 Rebate Guide for the reimbursement details.

High-Risk Species in London: Maples and Oaks

While the by-law applies broadly, two specific types of trees in historic neighborhoods like Old North, Wortley Village, and Woodfield require special attention.

1. Silver Maples

Silver Maples were planted heavily across London decades ago because they grow fast. The downside is that their wood is relatively brittle and prone to structural failure. If you have a massive Silver Maple, do not wait for a storm to expose a weak crotch or dead lead. Read our specific Silver Maple Guide to learn how the grant can be used to cable and secure these vulnerable giants.

2. Oak Trees and Oak Wilt

Oak trees are magnificent, but they are currently under strict threat from a deadly fungal disease called Oak Wilt. Because the beetles that spread the fungus are active in the warmer months, it is strictly prohibited to prune Oak trees in London between April and October. All grant-funded structural work on Oaks must be deferred to the winter dormancy period. Learn more about Oak Tree Rules here.

Important timing note: If your Oak needs work, plan ahead. The safest path is to schedule the quote in advance and complete the work during dormancy.

The "Qualified Arborist" Requirement

If you are planning to apply for the $1,000 TCCP grant, you cannot simply hire the cheapest "guy with a chainsaw" off the internet, nor can you use a utility arborist trained for clearing powerlines.

The City of London mandates that all grant-funded work must be quoted and completed by a Qualified Professional. This generally means an arborist with active certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

When you submit your application to the city, the quote must be itemized, professional, and clearly outline the structural benefits to the tree. If the quote does not meet the city's standards, your funding application will be rejected.

Want to avoid delays? Read our guide on 3 Arborist Quote Red Flags before hiring anyone.

How to Claim Your $1,000 Rebate

The application process requires careful timing, as this is a reimbursement grant. You cannot start the work until you have city approval.

1. Get a Vetted Quote: Have an ISA Certified Arborist assess the tree and provide an itemized quote for structural pruning or cabling.
2. Submit to the City: Upload the quote to the municipal portal.
3. Wait for the "Offer of Award": The city will review the quote and issue a formal letter guaranteeing your funding amount.
4. Complete the Work: The arborist completes the pruning. You pay the arborist directly and receive a zero-balance invoice.
5. Get Reimbursed: Submit the final invoice to the city, and a cheque for up to $1,000 will be mailed to you. Landlords and investors are fully eligible, and you can read the details in our Landlord Eligibility Guide.

Take the Next Step

The 2026 municipal funding pool is active, but it drains quickly as the spring and summer landscaping seasons pick up. Stop risking property damage or by-law fines.

Take 30 seconds to run your address through our free preliminary estimator. We will help you confirm your tree's eligibility and connect you with pre-screened, ISA Certified Arborists in London who know exactly how to structure quotes for municipal grant approval.