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Newly planted trees
Until new roots grow into the soil of the planting site:
- water the original root ball area and just beyond this area. The root ball area may dry out faster than the surrounding soil, so check the moisture in this area frequently for the first month or two after planting.
- A newly planted tree may take 1 to 2 years to become established. Larger trees may take longer to become established than smaller trees.
- A newly planted tree will need to be watered more frequently than an established tree because its root system is more contained.
- Watering is most important in mid-to-late summer when temperatures are high and moisture stored in the soil over winter has been depleted.
Established Trees
When watering trees that have been newly planted, do not saturate the soil for long periods. Water displaces air in the soil; so long periods of soil saturation can suffocate growing roots. Take a long enough break between watering cycles to allow for absorption. If in doubt, check to make sure that the soil isn't muddy below the surface.
To decrease risk of disease, do not water the area directly next to the trunk. Roots extend far beyond the edge of the canopy or drip line. It is best to water in the outer half of the area under the canopy and beyond the edge of the canopy.
Water deeply rather than frequently. Most tree roots are found in the upper 18 - 24 inches of the soil. Each deep watering cycle will meet a tree's water needs for between 10 days to 4 weeks during the hottest part of the summer, depending on the tree species and soil type.
Some tree species require no additional watering once established, whereas others will do poorly without watering throughout the summer.
Please follow the Town's outdoor water use restrictions.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that kills ash trees within one to three years after infestation. You may see dead or dying ash trees in your neighbourhood as a result of EAB. Ash trees that are not infested will likely become infested in the next few years. There are insecticide treatments available to protect individual trees.
York Region's Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan has detailed information about how they are monitoring this species as well what you can do to slow the spread.