City asks residents to help save trees
Hamilton, ON – July 22, 2016 – Due to continued low rainfall the past several weeks and high heat, the City of Hamilton is asking the public for assistance in watering new and mature trees located on and around their property. After many weeks of hot and dry conditions, with no significant rainfall forecasted, many trees are in urgent need of water in order to survive. The City has increased our watering efforts, and requests assistance.
“Periods of prolonged dry heat and absence of rainfall is challenging the health of many recently planted trees across the community,” said Councillor Terry Whitehead, who is also chair of the Public Works Committee. “In particular, ash trees have been replaced with new saplings and the City is asking residents to implement regular watering for the sustained growth of our natural canopy of trees.”
"As the long summer days continue, we must be mindful of our natural environment and preservation of new tree plantings,” notes Deputy Mayor Lloyd Ferguson (Councillor Lloyd Ferguson is serving as Deputy Mayor for the month of July).
Unlike grass, trees continue to grow during periods of drought. Insufficient water can weaken them making them more susceptible to long term impacts such as insects and disease. Symptoms of insufficient water include browning of leaves and veins, wilting leaves, and/or premature dropping of leaves. Coniferous trees will turn yellowish or reddish-purple in colour. Long-term impacts of drought include decline in a tree’s overall health. It is best to water in the early morning.
Watering guidelines for deciduous and coniferous trees
- Trees need 2 to 3 centimetres of rain every 7 to 10 days to thrive.
- In the absence of rain, young trees will benefit from receiving 40 litres of water around the base of the tree (one square metre).
- Larger trees need a slow soaking 1 or 2 times a month, from the trunk to just beyond the drip line. This will have the water penetrate down 10 to 12 inches.
The public is asked to be aware of any water restrictions in effect throughout the summer. Hamilton's Water Works By-law limits lawn and garden watering to every other day. Even-numbered homes are permitted to water on even-numbered days and odd-numbered homes are permitted to water on odd-numbered days. For those residents without a municipal address, if you live on the west side or north side of the street, you are permitted to water on odd-numbered days, and if you live on the east side or south side of the street you are permitted to water on even-numbered days.
For more information on caring for trees, visit www.hamilton.ca/trees.