Tree planting and watering

The City of London plants approximately 5,000 trees each year. Trees help mitigate the effects of climate change. They provide shade and lower temperatures reducing energy costs at homes and making streets more walkable.  Trees also help absorb heavy rainfall and reduce stormwater flows.

Tree planting

You can request a tree to be planted in the boulevard in front of your residence. Staff evaluate each request, and decisions are made based on overhead and underground constraints, such as sightlines, overhead utilities and existing trees. 

Trees are planted in the spring and fall each year. City staff decide the type of tree planted in accordance with City’s policies and standards.

Request a boulevard tree

Replanting trees

In some cases, trees need to be removed by the City before a construction project, after a storm, or when the tree is in poor health. The City tries to replace all trees that have been removed, and will assess if a tree can be replanted.

Tree watering

Trees on boulevards in front of your home and businesses are often taken care of by City staff. During hot and dry weather, trees can use a bit of extra water from residents when possible. This will be especially helpful for newly planted trees.

You can help keep trees hydrated:

• Trees, lawns and gardens need about 2.5 cm (one inch) of water per week.
• While you have the hose out to water the garden, it’s a good idea to give the tree in front of your home an extra drink of water.
• Try using a five-gallon bucket to water one square metre around newly planted trees. Apply the water slowly around the tree or make a small hole in the bottom of the bucket to allow the water to drain over time. Don’t pour too fast.
• Water your trees, gardens or lawn early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Use a rain gauge to measure water levels. A margarine container on your lawn marked on the inside can help you measure the weekly rainfall.
• Using a timer and sprinkler can also help you measure your watering.
• Proper mulching around your trees will help reduce the need for supplemental watering, as well as helping protect the trees from damage from lawn maintenance activities. For information on how to properly add or maintain the mulch around your trees, visit TreesAreGood.org