Preservation pruning guide
Structural Pruning Starts With a Defined Objective
The goal is not to remove a generic percentage of canopy. It is to make selected cuts that address dead, damaged, weakly attached or poorly structured branches.
Common objectives
Remove damaged branches
Address dead, cracked or broken limbs identified in the assessment.
Improve structure
Reduce competition, poor attachment or overextension while preserving useful canopy.
Reduce selected limbs
Shorten a limb back to a suitable lateral branch when spread or load is the concern.
Retain veteran trees
Use specialized pruning that mimics natural decline when appropriate for a late-life tree.
Quote scope
“Prune tree” is not enough to understand the work
A stronger scope identifies the tree, objective, branch or crown area, pruning method, debris handling and any limits on live-crown removal. Those details are recommended for clarity even though the City’s published quote checklist is shorter.
Open the complete quote checklistSeason and condition
Timing can change the plan
London defers TCCP work on oaks to November through March because of oak-wilt concern. Emergency conditions, active pests, nesting wildlife, tree health and weather may also affect the arborist’s timing recommendation.
Approval comes before the saw
The City does not reimburse work completed before assistance is approved. Obtain the quote, apply, wait for the Offer of Award, then schedule the approved scope.
Primary sources
Check the official rules
Program decisions are made by the City of London. These sources were reviewed on July 29, 2026.