Over the past weeks, Mississauga has experienced a blistering and dry summer—unrelenting heat and minimal rainfall that have pushed boulevard trees to their limits. Boulevard trees are planted along residential streets near the road. These trees play an essential role in Mississauga’s urban landscape. Of the more than two million City trees on public land, nearly 300,000 are streetside.
Streetside Benefits & Challenges
These trees provide shade that cools our streets and sidewalks, reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality by filtering pollutants, and help manage stormwater by absorbing rain runoff. They also add natural beauty and character to our neighbourhoods, increasing property values and making communities more walkable and livable.
Unlike trees in parks or forests, boulevard trees must survive surrounded by pavement or turf, which amplify heat, compact soil, and reduce access to moisture. During drought conditions, their shallow roots can dry out quickly, leading to scorched leaf edges, premature leaf drop, or full canopy stress. These signs are warnings that extra care is urgently needed to help these trees survive.
Deep Watering — Not Spraying
Watering just the trunk or spraying leaves won’t help stressed trees. Instead, apply deep, slow watering at the drip line (the soil under the canopy’s outer edge), to encourage roots to grow downward and reach moisture. For established boulevard trees, a long soaker‑hose soak once every few weeks during a dry stretch can be enough. For younger trees (under three years), increase frequency to twice a week of 60 litres (~13 gallons) per session, especially during heat waves.
Early morning or early evening watering reduces evaporation. Avoid doing it overnight to minimize disease risk. Fertilizer should be avoided now—it promotes new leaf growth that needs water.
Mulch is Dry Tree’s Best Friend
A 3‑ to 5‑inch layer of organic mulch—wood chips, shredded leaves or bark—around the drip line conserves soil moisture, buffers soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot. Extend the ring at least 1–2 feet beyond the trunk; on older street trees, even broader is better as roots have expanded.
Boulevard trees are publicly owned, but their health in extreme weather depends on our collective care.
Watch for Warning Signs
Check your boulevard maple trees for signs of drought stress: wilting, curling leaves, branch tips dying back or early leaf coloration and drop. Leaf scorch—brown edges or yellow patches—is a common drought symptom.
Boulevard trees are publicly owned, but caring hands and community awareness can make a tremendous difference when conditions stress them. The City’s Forestry division waters city‑planted young trees through September and encourages residents to help with watering and mulching, especially if your tree came with a door‑hanger notice after planting. For mature trees, your care can make the difference between a thriving tree in front of your property versus one that is struggling.
If you notice serious decline—broken limbs, pest infestations, or suspected disease beyond superficial spots—you can request a City inspection or pruning service by calling 311 or better yet, through the Trees Page of the Forestry and Environment section of the City of Mississauga website.
