London offers funding to help property owners preserve mature trees

The London, Ont. skyline is seen in this undated photo. (Source: Tourism London)

Applications are now open for the City of London’s Tree Canopy Conservation Program, which provides financial support to help property owners care for and preserve mature trees on private property.

The program is part of London’s Urban Forest Strategy, which aims to achieve 34 per cent tree canopy cover by 2065.

“The Tree Canopy Conservation Program is about helping people take care of the mature trees that already make our neighbourhoods special,” said Paul Yeoman, London’s director of parks and forestry. “As Canada’s Forest Capital, London has a shared responsibility to protect and preserve its urban forest, and this program is one way we can all be part of that.”

Funding is available to eligible property owners to support the management of mature trees. To qualify, trees must be at least 40 centimetres in diameter, and all work must be completed by a qualified arborist to ensure proper care and safety.

Property owners do not need to live at the residence to apply, allowing non-resident owners of qualifying properties to participate.

Eligible work includes tree care measures that improve health and stability, such as structural pruning, removal of dead or hazardous branches, cabling and bracing, soil or root care, and pest management.

The city says these proactive measures go beyond basic trimming and help extend the lifespan of mature trees. Eligible costs are reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000 per tree.