Trees help our streets to be healthier, greener places to live and increase resilience to climate change.

Islington Council have planted over 600 trees on our Highways in the last two years. The council are watering these trees, but would like your help with watering these saplings  – your help will give them a them a better chance of establishing into healthy mature trees.

So, if you’ve noticed a new tree in your neighbourhood please see below for some useful advice on how you can help it grow:

• Newly planted trees really benefit from regular watering, especially in the first year from April to September
• The best time to water is either in the early morning or in the evening. Try to avoid the hottest part of the day, although water anytime is better than no water at all
• One big drink a week is best, but more often is helpful during very hot weather
• Ideally, try to give at least one-two watering cans per watering – although anything you can manage is great
• Tap water, rain water or even dishwater is fine. Please make sure no chemicals stronger than washing-up liquid are in the mix
• If there’s a green watering bag attached to the tree or a black watering tube at the base of the tree, please use that, although if it’s easier, just slowly pour the water over the roots, letting the water soak deep into the soil
• Try not to water when the ground is wet and soggy. Rainfall isn’t always enough to satisfy newly planted trees, but too much water can be as bad as not enough
• If you use a hosepipe, do so safely – don’t leave it unattended or trail it across the road