Please help your neighbourhood’s young trees survive the heat

To help keep their streets green and leafy, residents are being urged to check on newly planted trees in their neighbourhoods and water them if they’re looking parched.

Last winter the council planted more than 500 new street trees across the borough and there are concerns that some of these young trees could start to wilt if warm and dry conditions continue for a prolonged spell.

Many trees have a plastic tube dug into the ground alongside the trunk which allows water to be poured deep into the soil to help nourish the roots. Others have so called “gator bags” attached which can be filled with water to keep trees in good health.

A council spokesman said: “If there is a newly planted street tree near where you live that looks a bit dry and thirsty please give it some water.

“Every winter the council plants new trees to ensure Wandsworth remains one of London’s leafiest boroughs. Residents can help by keeping an eye on their nearest street tree and giving it a helping hand if it’s needed.”

Every district in Wandsworth saw street trees planted last winter with species including London Plane, Cherry, Lime, Pear, Crab Apple, Rowan, Oak, Hazel, Whitebeam, Maple, Hornbeam and Birch.

In total the council looks after roughly 60,000 trees in its parks, commons and open spaces while around 15,000 grow in residential streets and on the borough’s housing estates.

The borough also boasts a number of local tree wardens. Wandsworth was one of the first urban councils in the country to establish a network of wardens – members of the public who work with the council to keep a close watch on the health and well-being of trees in their neighbourhood.

Find out more about becoming a tree warden at wandsworthtreewardens.org