Caring for city trees
Follow these steps to help young trees grow strong by watering, mulching and caring for them properly.
On this page:
1. Water young trees
Newly planted trees need extra water to establish roots. We provide water bags for trees planted in spring.
For the first 3 years:
- water once a week from spring until the ground freezes
- water twice a week during a dry period
- place a hose to trickle about 60 to 100 cm from the trunk for about 45 minutes (about 20 gallons)
- top up the tree’s water bag weekly if provided – remove the bag for winter
Even mature trees benefit from water during long dry spells.
Follow the Region of Waterloo's watering schedule when watering. Rain barrels and watering cans can be used any day.
2. Mulch properly
Mulch helps soil hold water, regulates temperature and protects roots.
How to apply mulch:
- use organic mulch such as wood chips or leaves
- spread mulch in a donut shape around the tree, keeping it at least 15 cm (6 inches) away from the trunk
- keep mulch 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) deep
How to maintain mulch:
- extend mulch out toward the edge of the tree’s canopy if possible
- refresh mulch each year and keep it in place for several years
Avoid piling mulch against the trunk — it can cause rot, pests or disease.
3. Fertilize safely
In the first year, trees use their energy to grow roots. Do not fertilize.
In later years:
- add a thin layer of organic compost under the tree’s canopy once a year
- use a slow-release organic fertilizer, such as bone meal
- replace mulch on top of the compost, keeping all material at least 10 cm from the trunk
- avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers
4. Avoid damaging roots
Digging and yard tools can harm roots and bark.
If you need to dig around a city tree:
- use hand tools where possible
- avoid cutting roots thicker than a finger (about 2.5 cm or 1 inch)
- cover any exposed roots with damp material until you replace the soil
- keep mowers and trimmers away from the trunk
Call 519-886-2310 before doing major work near a city tree.
Contact us for help
If you have questions about how to care for a city tree, call 519-886-2310.
Call us right away if you notice:
- storm damage, unsafe branches or blocked sidewalks
- pests, disease or an unhealthy tree
- an ash tree on public land that looks unhealthy and is not marked
To report damage, visit our Get help with a city tree page.