Yesterday, London experienced a significant storm including high winds, rain, and hail, with many trees across the city severely damaged.
City crews were out late last night responding to service requests and clearing branches from roads and sidewalks. This work is continuing today for major fallen trees and limbs, and will be ongoing well into the evening. Initial priorities include removing trees that are blocking roads and buildings.
“It will be a full day of clean up, but we are well prepared,” says Paul Yeoman, Director of Parks and Forestry. “Crews were working late last night and continue today to clear as much debris as possible. We appreciate Londoners’ patience as we respond.”
To date, more than 170 service requests about tree issues have been received but this number does not reflect the total trees damaged, which is much larger.
A few local streets remain closed while London Hydro works to repair infrastructure damaged by fallen trees. Cathcart Street between Elmwood Avenue and Duchess Avenue, as well as Edward Street between Bruce Street and Elmwood Avenue remain closed today.
Reminders for residents:
- Tree issues on public property (storm or wind damage, tree trimming or inspection requests, etc.) can be submitted on service.london.ca or emailed to trees@london.ca.
- Damaged or fallen tree limbs from trees on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner. Residents are encouraged to contact local arborist companies to provide an assessment and support removals.
- Residents are requested not to bring fallen brush and limbs to the curb for pick-up today and this weekend. Crews are prioritizing clearing major trees and limbs and removing damaged trees. Larger yard waste, brush and tree limbs can be brought to a local EnviroDepot during operating hours.
- Yard waste, brush and tree limbs placed out for Green Week (curbside) collection must follow existing curbside collection criteria such as tree limbs must be 10 cm or less and 1 metre in length. Brush must be tied in bundles. The next Green Week is in Zone C (Carling Heights, Northridge, Old North, Stoneybrook Heights, River Bend) and starts on July 24, 2023. Check your collection calendar for your neighbourhood’s Green Week dates.
Tree clean-up will continue next week as crews restore areas, remove stumps, and identify opportunities to replant trees where possible.