Ash Tree Removal in London — Local business ISA Certified Arborists

Ash tree removal in London requires speed and precision because trees killed by the emerald ash borer become brittle within months and pose a serious hazard. Forest City Tree Trimming removes ash trees safely before they fail, managing the wood according to local regulations and disposal rules. The London area has lost thousands of mature ash trees to the borer over the past decade, and many homeowners face the choice between preventive removal and emergency dismantling after a storm. Our ISA Certified Arborists assess each tree's condition, obtain permits when required by the City of London, and execute the removal with the care your property deserves. We have served London and the surrounding municipalities since 2012, handling everything from ash in tight backyards to street-side removals near hydro lines. Call us at (548) 708-7545 for a free estimate, or visit our emerald ash borer assessment page to learn whether your ash can be saved.

Why ash tree removal cannot wait

An ash tree infested with the emerald ash borer dies within two to four years, and the wood quality deteriorates rapidly. Dead ash becomes brittle and unpredictable to fell; branches snap without warning, and the trunk can splinter during removal. A living ash, by contrast, holds its structure and allows us to dismantle it safely. Waiting until the tree is completely dead multiplies the cost, the risk to your home and neighbouring properties, and the difficulty of the job. In London, where many residential lots are surrounded by mature ash trees, a single falling branch can damage a roof, fence or parked vehicle. We remove ash trees while they still have structural integrity, preventing the emergency call that costs far more.

• We assess the borer infestation stage and remaining wood strength before quoting.
• We fell the tree in sections, controlling each piece as it comes down.
• We chip or haul the wood according to your wishes and local disposal guidelines.
• We grind the stump to below grade, leaving the area ready for replanting or landscaping.
• We clear all debris and leave your property clean.

Removing an ash tree proactively gives you control over timing, cost and the final state of your yard. Emergency removals after a windstorm or ice storm are more dangerous, more expensive, and often leave a stump that must be ground later.

Local example: A 15-metre ash in Masonville, infested but still standing, costs $1,200 to $1,800 for removal and stump grinding. The same tree, fallen across a deck after a windstorm, can cost $2,500 to $3,500 and may require damage assessment before work begins.

How we remove ash trees in the London area

Our process balances speed with safety. We arrive with a crew trained in rigging, a wood chipper, and the equipment to handle trees up to 20 metres tall. For taller or more complex removals, we bring a bucket truck or crane. We inspect the tree for structural weakness, plan the dismantling sequence, and establish a safe work zone. If the tree is near a private electrical service entrance, we maintain the required approach distance at all times. We never work on the public distribution network of your local utility or Hydro One, but we safely clear branches away from your service line. Once the tree is down, we chip the branches on site if you prefer, or haul them for disposal. The stump comes out by grinding, leaving a clean base for new plantings or hardscaping.

• We visit your property, photograph the tree, and note obstacles such as fences, sheds or underground utilities.
• We obtain any permit required by the City of London or your municipality and submit an arborist report if needed.
• We schedule the removal at a time that suits your calendar, weather permitting.
• We fell the tree in controlled sections, lowering each piece to the ground with ropes and pulleys.
• We chip branches and haul logs, or stack wood for your use if you prefer.
• We grind the stump flush with the ground and backfill the hole.

The entire job typically takes one to three days, depending on tree size and site access. A 12-metre ash with clear access may be completed in a single day. A 20-metre ash in a tight backyard or near structures may require two visits. We schedule work during dormancy (late fall to late winter) whenever possible, as this is safest and minimises disruption to nesting wildlife.

Concrete example: A property in Sunningdale with a 16-metre ash 4 metres from the house and 2 metres from the property line required a permit from the City of London. We submitted an arborist report, received approval within two weeks, and completed the removal and stump grinding in one day. Total cost was $1,650. Without the permit, the work would have faced a stop-work order.

Removal methods and equipment

We choose the method based on tree height, proximity to structures, ground conditions and your preferences. A small ash in an open yard may be felled by hand. A large ash 3 metres from your house requires the bucket truck or rigging. We discuss options during the free estimate and explain why each choice matters for your property.

Permits and regulations in London

The City of London may require a permit for a private tree removal, depending on tree size, location and whether it is a hazard. An arborist report supports your permit application and documents the reason for removal, the condition of the tree and the work plan. We prepare this report as part of our service at no extra cost. Rules and thresholds differ across the London area and surrounding municipalities, so we verify the requirements for your specific address before scheduling work. If your property is in Middlesex Centre, Strathroy-Caradoc, Thames Centre or another adjacent municipality, we confirm their local rules. Wood disposal also follows municipal guidelines; we chip branches on site, haul logs to a licensed facility, or stack them for your use, according to local by-laws. Visit our service areas page to confirm coverage for your neighbourhood.

Near private electrical service entrances, we maintain approach distances as required by your utility to prevent contact with live wires. We never work on the public distribution network operated by Hydro One or your local utility, but we safely clear branches away from your private service line. If the ash is directly under or very close to hydro lines, we assess whether removal or utility line clearance is the right choice and coordinate with the utility if needed.

Cost and timing for ash removal

The cost of ash tree removal depends on height, diameter, location on your property, ground access and whether the tree is infested or already dead. A 10-metre ash in an open yard costs less than a 16-metre ash wedged between a house and a fence. Stump grinding is included in our removal quote. We provide a free estimate after visiting your property and assessing the tree in person. Most ash removals in London range from $1,200 to $2,500, but a very large or complex removal may cost more. Call (548) 708-7545 or visit our contact page to request a free estimate. We respond within 24 hours and schedule work at your convenience.

Timing matters. Ash trees should be removed during dormancy (late fall to late winter) whenever possible, as this is safest for the crew and causes less stress to surrounding vegetation. Emergency removals after a storm are available 24/7, and we prioritise dangerous situations. If an ash has already fallen or is leaning against your house, contact us immediately at (548) 708-7545. For routine removals, we typically schedule work within two to three weeks of your estimate. Visit our pricing page for a detailed breakdown of costs and services.

Prices Ash Tree Removal in London — Indicative pricing

Indicative prices; free, personalized estimate within 24h at (548) 708-7545.