Following the driest May in England for almost 125 years and the sunniest Spring since records began, our young trees in the borough are suffering from the harmful effects of continuous spells of hot weather.

We are calling on residents to help us water any young trees on your street. We really need your support to keep them alive.

Despite being included in a watering programme, our recently-planted trees would still benefit greatly from more regular watering – especially amid long periods of dry and sunny weather like we’re experiencing now.

Cllr Kirsten Hearn, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Sustainability said, “We really need residents’ help as it has been a fantastic, but very dry, spring and our young trees could do with a rather large drink. Tap water, or even bath and dishwater, is totally fine and will help us keep our borough green.

“It’s obviously vital that social distancing is followed and that watering is done safely – but if you can help to keep these trees going strong on your street, please do. By watering our young street trees, you’ll be helping to maintain the air quality and street scene here in Haringey and why not say ‘Hi’ to a friendly neighbour or passing pedestrian at a safe distance while you’re at it?”

Please remember to follow the Government’s social distancing rules when you’re outside (external link) and stay two metres away from other people not from your household.

You should also wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds upon your return home and regularly throughout the day.

Any watering would be really beneficial to the trees. If you’re unsure as to how to go about it, here’s a few handy pointers:

• It’s best to give trees one big drink a week, although watering them more often is fine during very hot weather
• Ideally, aim to use one or two 10L watering cans or buckets each time, but anything you can manage is great
• Watering at any time is obviously better than no watering at all, yet try to avoid the hottest part of the day. The best time to water a tree is either in the early morning or the evening
• Tap water, rainwater or even bath and dishwater is fine. Please make sure though that no chemicals stronger than washing-up liquid are in the mix
• You can slowly pour the water over the roots, letting it soak deep into the soil. Alternatively, you can put water in the black watering tube at the base of the tree