Emerald Ash Borer Assessment in London | Forest City Tree Trimming

The Emerald Ash Borer Assessment is essential for any ash tree owner in London. This invasive beetle has devastated ash populations across in London and the surrounding area, and early detection can mean the difference between saving a tree and losing it entirely. Our ISA Certified Arborists inspect your ash trees, document their health, explain your genuine options, and prioritize trees that threaten buildings or power lines. We serve London and the surrounding municipalities, where mature ash trees line streets and shade backyards across neighbourhoods from Masonville to Stoneybrook. If you own ash on your property, an assessment now can protect your investment and guide your next steps with confidence.

Why Emerald Ash Borer Assessment Matters in London

Emerald ash borer has been established across the London area for over a decade. The beetle kills ash trees within two to four years of infestation, and infected wood cannot be moved off-site without a provincial permit. An early assessment tells you whether your tree is already infested, how far the damage has progressed, and whether treatment or removal is the right call. We document findings in writing so you can make an informed decision and support any permit application to the City of London if removal becomes necessary.

We inspect the crown, trunk and branches for D-shaped exit holes and bark splitting that signal infestation.
We assess tree vigour, structural soundness and risk to nearby buildings or utilities.
We explain whether chemical injection is still viable or whether removal is the only option.
We provide a written report suitable for municipal permit applications across the London area.
We prioritize ash trees that overhang homes, garages or power lines to reduce liability.

Early detection gives you real options. Waiting until the tree is dead removes those choices and often leaves you with an emergency removal bill.

Local context: In London and Middlesex Centre, ash trees infested for less than two years often respond well to preventive injection. Trees already showing crown dieback may be too far gone for treatment. An assessment costs far less than an emergency removal and gives you the facts you need.

How We Assess Your Ash Trees

Our assessment process is straightforward and thorough. We arrive with climbing gear, binoculars and diagnostic tools. We examine every visible part of the tree, take photographs, and discuss findings with you on site. If treatment is viable, we explain the injection window (late spring to early summer works best). If removal is necessary, we discuss timing, cost and cleanup. We never rush the decision or pressure you into action before you are ready.

We climb or use aerial equipment to inspect the upper crown where early signs first appear.
We look for exit holes (roughly 3 millimetres wide), serpentine galleries under the bark, and branch dieback.
We measure the tree, note its proximity to buildings and utilities, and assess the risk it poses.
We provide a written summary with photographs and clear recommendations within 24 hours.
We answer your questions and connect you with our tree removal or injection teams if needed.

Most assessments take 30 to 60 minutes per tree. Larger properties with multiple ash may require a second visit. We charge a flat fee for the assessment itself, separate from any follow-up work you choose to authorize.

Real example: A homeowner in Strathroy-Caradoc discovered three ash trees on a ravine lot. Our assessment found that two were already infested but still vigorous, making them good candidates for injection. The third showed no signs of disease. By treating the two, she protected her property for another three to five years and avoided the cost of removing healthy trees.

Assessment Methods and What They Reveal

Method	What We Look For	What It Tells You
Visual inspection	Exit holes, bark splitting, crown thinning, branch dieback.	Whether infestation is present and how advanced it is.
Climbing assessment	Upper crown condition, small branch damage, feeding galleries.	Early-stage infestation that may not be visible from the ground.
Risk evaluation	Tree lean, branch strength, proximity to buildings and hydro lines.	Whether the tree poses an immediate hazard if left standing.
Treatment feasibility	Overall tree vigour, crown density, years of useful life remaining.	Whether chemical injection makes financial and biological sense.

Each assessment is documented in a report with photographs, measurements and our professional recommendation. This report is valuable for your own records and can support a permit application if you decide to remove the tree. Learn more about our arborist report service for detailed risk assessments on multiple trees or complex properties.

Permits and Regulations in the London Area

The City of London may require a permit before removing a private ash tree, depending on size and location. Our assessment report supports your permit application by documenting the infestation and explaining why removal is necessary. Rules vary across the London area, so we always advise checking with your local municipality. We handle all the paperwork and coordinate with the city on your behalf. Ash wood is regulated provincially, so any removed wood must be chipped or burned on site, or transported to a licensed facility. We manage disposal as part of our removal service, so you never have to worry about moving infected material yourself.

If your ash tree is near a private electrical service entrance (the wire from the pole to your house), we respect all approach distances and coordinate with your utility if needed. We never touch the public distribution network. If your tree is close to hydro lines, our assessment includes a safety evaluation and we may recommend professional clearance before any work begins.

Next Steps After Your Assessment

Once we complete the assessment, you have time to decide. If your ash is healthy and shows no signs of infestation, no action is needed yet, though we recommend a follow-up check in two years. If early infestation is found, we can schedule ash tree removal or discuss preventive injection during the treatment window. If the tree is already dead or severely infested, removal becomes the priority to reduce liability and prevent the beetle from spreading to neighbouring ash. We coordinate scheduling, provide a clear estimate, and handle all site cleanup and wood chipping. Call us at (548) 708-7545 for a free estimate, or visit our contact page to request an assessment today.

Prices Emerald Ash Borer Assessment in London — Indicative pricing

Service	Price	Details
Single ash tree assessment	From $225	Visual and climbing inspection with written report and photographs
Multiple ash trees (3 to 5 trees)	From $475	Discounted rate per tree for properties with several ash
Large property or complex site	From $675	Full arborist report with risk mapping and municipal permit support
Travel	Included	No charge for service calls in London and the surrounding area
Free estimate	Included	Call (548) 708-7545 or request online for an immediate response

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

Emerald Ash Borer Assessment : service areas

📍 London 📍 Middlesex Centre 📍 Strathroy-Caradoc 📍 Thames Centre 📍 Lucan Biddulph 📍 North Middlesex 📍 Southwest Middlesex 📍 Adelaide Metcalfe 📍 Newbury

Frequently asked questions about Emerald Ash Borer Assessment in London

How much does an Emerald Ash Borer Assessment cost in London?

A single-tree assessment starts at $225 and includes a full visual and climbing inspection with a written report. Multiple ash trees on the same property qualify for a discounted rate. Large properties or complex sites with risk mapping and permit documentation run from $675. All estimates are free, and there is no charge for travel within London and the surrounding municipalities. Call (548) 708-7545 for a quote tailored to your situation.

What is the difference between an Emerald Ash Borer Assessment and ash tree removal?

An assessment tells you whether your ash is infested and what your options are. Removal is the physical cutting down and chipping of the tree. Many ash trees can be treated with preventive injection if caught early, which keeps the tree standing for another three to five years. Our assessment helps you decide whether treatment or removal makes sense. If removal is needed, we handle it as a separate service. Think of the assessment as the diagnosis and removal as the treatment.

How long does an Emerald Ash Borer Assessment take?

A single tree typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on height and branch density. We climb or use equipment to inspect the upper crown where early signs appear. Properties with multiple ash trees may require a second visit if the trees are spread across the lot. We provide a written report within 24 hours of the site visit, so you have clear documentation to guide your next decision.

Can my ash tree be saved if it has Emerald Ash Borer?

Yes, if caught early. Trees infested for less than two years often respond well to preventive chemical injection applied in late spring to early summer. Injection can extend the tree's life by three to five years, giving you time to plan removal or enjoy the shade longer. Trees already showing crown dieback or heavy feeding galleries are usually too far gone for treatment. Our assessment determines which category your tree falls into and recommends the best path forward.

Do I need a permit to remove an ash tree in London?

The City of London may require a permit for private tree removals depending on size and location. Rules vary across the London area, so check with your municipality. Our assessment report supports your permit application by documenting the infestation and explaining why removal is necessary. We handle all coordination with the city and manage any paperwork on your behalf, so the process is straightforward.

What should I do if my ash tree is near power lines?

Tell us during your assessment request. We evaluate safety and respect all approach distances to your private service entrance. We never touch the public distribution network operated by Hydro One. If your tree is close to hydro lines, we may recommend professional clearance before removal work begins. Our assessment includes this safety check, and we coordinate with your utility if needed.

When is the best time to assess my ash trees?

You can request an assessment any time of year. Spring and early summer (late May through June) are ideal because you can see fresh exit holes and new crown dieback. If you decide treatment is needed, the injection window runs from late spring to early summer. If removal is your choice, we can schedule it during dormancy (late fall to late winter) for cleaner cutting and easier site access, or handle emergency removals year-round if the tree poses an immediate hazard.

Are you available for emergency ash tree assessment or removal in London?

Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency services for ash trees that have fallen, are leaning, or pose an immediate risk to buildings or power lines. Call (548) 708-7545 any time. We prioritize hazardous trees and can often respond within hours. An assessment in an emergency situation focuses on safety and removal options, with a written estimate provided on site.

Is your free estimate really free and with no obligation?

Absolutely. We provide a free site visit, inspect your ash tree, discuss your options, and give you a clear written estimate. There is no obligation to proceed with any work. We answer all your questions on site and can send detailed information by email if you need time to decide. Many clients use our assessment to understand their situation before getting a second opinion elsewhere, and we respect that approach.

Are you insured for Emerald Ash Borer Assessment work in London?

Yes. Forest City Tree Trimming is fully insured and our ISA Certified Arborists carry liability coverage for all assessment and climbing work. We can provide proof of insurance upon request. We have been in business since 2012 and maintain current certification and coverage across all municipalities we serve, including London and the surrounding area.