Street Tree Planting Program

Site Requirement Overhead View

Site Requirement Side View

NOTE Simplified diagrams to be used as a guide only. Forestry staff will confirm planting locations in all situations.

Information cards are left at each house when a new tree is planted by the City of Hamilton. These cards outline the needs of your new tree and provide contact information for questions.

Use these guidelines to keep your tree healthy until it is established:

• Water the tree the day it is planted using a slow drip until the soil is saturated.
• Water the tree weekly for the first year from late spring to early fall; after the first year, water the tree weekly only when it hasn’t rained much.
• Check soil periodically to determine moisture content. Soil should be moist not drenched or muddy.

• Scratch the surface of the soil to ensure that water has penetrated the root ball and tree pit area. If the soil is dry, water again until moist throughout the root ball.
• During periods of drought it is especially important to water the new tree to prevent desiccation and wilting.
• Do not let the planting dry out completely.
• A tree guard is provided when the tree is planted for protection. Guards protect  trees from mechanical damage from grass trimmers, lawn mowers, bicycles and cars. Severe and repeated mechanical damage can kill a tree.

• Fertilize during the second year after the tree was planted. Use brand name tree fertilizers and follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s recommended application rates.
• Keep weed killers, solvents and cleaning agents away from your tree.

The Benefits of Mulch

A newly planted tree’s best friend is mulch. All trees planted through the program are installed with a layer of mulch. It is very important to maintain this layer of mulch as the tree grows. Mulching is one of the most valuable things a homeowner can do for tree’s health. Mulch is any material placed on the soil to conserve moisture and improve growing conditions. Common materials include arborist’s wood chips, bark, pine needles and for added benefits add a mixture of mulch and compost.

• Insulates the soil helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold temperatures
• Retains water helping to keep the roots moist
• Keeps weeds out to help prevent root competition
• Prevents soil compaction
• Reduces lawn mower and string trimmer damage

Proper Mulching

• Apply a minimum depth of 10 cm (4 inches) to a maximum of 150 cm (60 inches) of mulch over the planting area. The wider the mulch ring, the greater the benefit. Mulch out to the tree’s drip line, if possible.
• Maintain this level of mulch as the tree grows, expanding the diameter of the mulch to reach the water roots (to the dripline of the tree).
• Do not pile mulch against the tree trunk. Pull mulch back several inches from the trunk so the base of the trunk and flare are exposed. The mulch-ring shape should resemble a “doughnut” not a “volcano”.
• If mulch is already present, check the depth. Do not add more if sufficient layers are already in place.
• Organic mulches are preferred to inorganic materials. Organic mulches should be well-aerated and composted. Avoid sour smelling mulch.

Almost everyone knows that trees and other living plants are valuable. They beautify our surroundings, purify our air, act as sound barriers, manufacture precious oxygen, and help us save energy through their cooling shade in summer and their wind reduction in winter.

Many people do not realize, however, that plants have a dollar value of their own that can be measured by competent plant appraisers.

Tree size
Sometimes the size and age of a tree are such that it cannot be replaced. Trees that are too large to be replaced should be assessed by professionals who use a specialized appraisal formula.

Species of Tree
Trees that are hardy, durable, highly adaptable and free from objectionable characteristics such as pods or nuts which add to the debris are most valuable and require less maintenance.

Condition of the Tree
A well-cared-for tree with healthy roots, trunk, branches and buds will have a higher value.

Location of the Tree
One tree standing alone will often have a higher value than a tree in a group. A tree near your house, or one which is a focal point in your landscape, tends to have more value.

Trees are planted from May to June and September to November each year. The stump of your old tree must be removed before we can plant a new one. Request your tree early.

No. Tree stumps are removed to a maximum depth of 30 cm. This is not deep enough to accommodate a new tree. The new tree will be planted at least 1 metre away from where the old stump was.

Trees will not be planted in any boulevard where the width of the grass area is less than 1.75 meters.

Contact the City at 905-546-2489 if you have been waiting over a year for a tree. Do not complete an online form if you already requested a tree.

Contact the City at 905-546-2489

When first planted the City of Hamilton waters, mulches and put a tree guard around the trunk of your tree. After that watering and caring for your new tree is your responsibility. All maintenance on your tree such as trimming will be taken care of by the City of Hamilton.

The Street Tree Program only plants trees on the City-owned road allowance of properties. City staff will come out to see if there is enough space to plant a tree on the road allowance of your property. All trees planted on the road allowance belong to the City. They will be maintained by City staff and cared for by you. All trees planted on private property are the responsibility of the property owner, contact a landscape contractor or arborist to ensue proper tree placement and species selection.

Trees are planted at least 6 to 10 meters away from existing trees depending on the species. City staff will see how much space is available and suggest tree species.

Trees are planted at least 6 to 10 meters away from existing trees depending on the species. City staff will see how much space is available and suggest tree species.

Yes, please submit a request. Trees are planted from May to June and September to November each year.