Ealing Council is calling on residents to help water newly planted trees that have been introduced across borough parks. It says that with the recent drought over the summer and despite some rainfall over the past few weeks, much more water is needed for the 1500 new trees.
Councillor Deirdre Costigan, cabinet member for climate action, said: “The trees outside our homes are pretty easy to water, and many residents do this already, but those in our parks also struggle as competition from grass and other vegetation quickly dries the soil.”
The council says that even though its contractors are scheduled to water the trees on a regular basis more help is needed and residents can play their part.
Councillor Costigan added: “Maybe you could take an extra bottle of water next time you visit one of our parks and give a tree a drink.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Gary Malcolm, leader of the Opposition on Ealing Council told EALING.NEWS: “Liberal Democrats have said for many years that we need more trees and it is great that the Council will plant more trees but we cannot expect residents to water them. That is what the Council should be doing. It is very sad that Labour-run Ealing Council cannot manage its contractors correctly to ensure that planted trees will be watered and maintained.”
Ealing Council has offered the following guidance to residents on watering trees:
- Try to give at least 1-2 watering cans per watering
- The best time to water is either in the early morning or in the evening.
- Tap water, rainwater or even dishwater are all good but no chemicals stronger than washing-up liquid should be used.
- If there’s a black watering tube at the base of the tree, pour water into it, if it’s easier, just slowly pour the water around the trunk, letting the water soak deep into the soil and ensuring that it doesn’t run off across the hard ground.
- Tell your neighbours and friends to join in.
