City’s thirsty trees are feeling the heat

City Hall is asking residents for help in watering young trees planted on municipal boulevards to help ensure their survival this summer.

City Hall is asking residents for help in watering young trees planted on municipal boulevards to help ensure their survival this summer.

A lack of rain through July has left Sarnia with near-drought conditions, especially in the sandy soil of the city’s north end.

“Young, smaller trees, approximately three years and younger, are highly susceptible to drought because of their shallow, undeveloped root systems,” said horticultural supervisor Chuck Toth,

Staff are especially concerned about trees on public boulevards, between property lines and the road, many of which are at risk of survival, he said.

The best method is to let water trickle at a slower rate, for about half an hour by hose, to ensure it penetrates deep into the roots and doesn’t run off on the dry ground, Toth said.