Caring for new trees

New trees need extra care to survive and thrive in the city, as urban conditions can be tough on young trees. Whether you planted a tree on your property or the City planted one on your street, these tips will help you give it the best start.

Watering

Regular deep watering is essential while a new tree establishes its root system. The City installs watering bags on newly planted trees.

• Water the tree once a week until November, the first snowfall or until the ground freezes.
• Adjust watering based on the weather conditions. Water twice a week during hot and dry periods, and less during rainy periods.
• Use a garden hose to fill the water bag as needed or slowly pour about 60 litres of water at the base of the tree.
• Avoid spraying the tree’s leaves with water as wet leaves can scorch in direct sun.

Mulching

Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, and protect the tree from damage. Roots need oxygen. Proper mulching supports strong root development and long-term tree health.

• Choose organic materials like bark, wood and leaves for your mulch to fertilize the soil.
• Maintain mulch at a depth of up to 10 centimetres.
• Create a ring of mulch around the base of the tree.
• Keep mulch at least 10 centimetres away from the trunk.
• If you pile mulch, grass clippings and other materials against the trunk, it can cause rot, decay or tree failure.

For trees on your property, you can install a tree guard around the stem before the first snowfall for the first few years. This prevents rabbits and rodents from causing damage. You can keep the tree guard until the tree outgrows it.

Staking

The City stakes all newly planted trees to provide temporary support while they get established. Stakes will be removed at the end of the tree’s warranty period.

If you have planted a new tree on your private property, consider staking the tree to provide extra support while it gets established.

General care for City-owned trees

Trees on City property, including street and park trees, are protected under the Public Tree Protection By-law.

To help protect them:

• The City is responsible for all pruning, maintenance and removal.
• Residents are not permitted to prune or alter City-owned trees.
• Do not attach any items, including decorations, signs, or equipment to the trees.

Trees are an important part of the City’s green infrastructure. They help reduce air pollution and smog, provide shade, manage water and increase the beauty and value of neighbourhoods.

You can request a new tree or a replacement tree to be planted in your neighbourhood. This service is free of charge.