Caring for new street trees

A street or boulevard is planted by or on behalf of the City next to the road, sidewalk, or on property along the street.

These trees provide beauty and shade, help improve air quality, help regulate water flow, and add economic value to your neighbourhood.

Tree Stewardship Program

If a new street tree is planted near your property, you will receive a door-hanger notice asking for your help as a Tree Ambassador.

City contractors water new street trees in June, July, August and September. As a Tree Ambassador, you can help with watering the trees more frequently during dry conditions.

How to care for new street trees

  • Don’t water your new tree right away, unless specific instructions are left by the tree planting contractor
  • Water your tree infrequently, except for during dry periods when it can be watered twice a week. Usually 60 litres (16 gallons) per watering is enough.
  • Keep your lawn and boulevard healthy, this will help the tree get enough water
  • Don’t remove, add or reconstruct the mulch at the base of the tree. Make sure you don’t pile soil or grass clippings on top of the wood chips.
  • Leave support stakes in place. They will be removed by the contractor within the two-year warranty period.
  • Keep grass cutting tools away from the tree trunk

What types of trees are planted

When choosing what type of tree to plant in your neighbourhood, the City looks at:

  • Spacing standards and whether the location can fit the fully grown size of the tree
  • If the soil types is good for that type of tree
  • If there’s a conflict with underground or above-ground utilities
  • If there’s tree diversity on the street and in the neighbourhood

Your street tree will likely be one of these commonly planted trees in Mississauga.