As the City of London prepares to complete a wide range of infrastructure projects this year, necessary tree removals and other advance work is currently underway across London. The City recognizes the significance of trees in our community and to the City’s Urban Forestry Strategy and Climate Emergency Action Plan goals. They help the environment, provide shade and lower temperatures, and help reducing stormwater flows. Removing a tree is never the City’s first choice and tree impacts are reduced as much as possible when new infrastructure is being added or replaced.
Tree protection and preservation is of the utmost importance during any City-led project and despite best efforts to explore design alternatives, tree removals are at times required to successfully and safely complete infrastructure projects.
How are trees assessed before removal?
During a project’s design, City staff along with consulting engineers and certified arborists assess trees within the project limits to determine the health of the trees and how to best complete the work with minimal impacts.
After finishing the assessment, any trees that are expected to be affected by the infrastructure project, or that are currently in poor health, are marked with white paint around the trunk to then be removed before construction begins. Trees may also be removed if they are identified as an invasive species, or if their roots and stability are expected to be negatively impacted by the construction.
Completing tree removals and other advance work now is essential to keep birds and other wildlife safe while balancing the needs of each project.
It is anticipated that tree removals will be complete by the end of March ahead of the migratory bird nesting period. The City will continue to engage with residents and property owners directly affected by this work to provide further details.
Tree protection
As required by City standards, trees will be protected during a construction project and the City uses various strategies to minimize or avoid impacting trees. This may include hand-forming curbs, adjusting the width of the excavation, installing underground infrastructure around tree roots when possible, and establishing tree protection areas with fencing around the trees.
Tree protection areas are monitored and enforced throughout the duration of each project to ensure trees remain safe and healthy despite the temporary conditions.
Tree replacement
When projects are completed, we replace the removed trees and seek additional opportunities to plant more trees at or near to the project area. Each project is unique, and the City’s approach to tree replacement is tailored to the context of each area.
The City has a robust forestry program in place to maintain and grow the number of trees in London. The City plants more than 5,000 trees each year and gives away more than 2,000 trees to residents as part of free tree giveaway events. There are an estimated seven million trees within the City limits.
Any resident interested in requesting a boulevard tree be planted in front of their home by the City can visit london.ca/treeplanting to submit a request.
Anticipated traffic impacts
Drivers are advised to expect delays as temporary lane restrictions may be necessary in some areas of the city to complete this work. Temporary sidewalk and bike lane closures and restrictions may also be required to ensure everyone remains safe around this work.