Plea to water trees

South Holland District Council is backing a national campaign to urge residents to water trees in residential areas, parks, public and community areas.

The calls are being led by the Arboricultural Association and Woodland Trust.
A spokesman for the South and East Lincolnshire Local Councils Partnership, of which South Holland is a member alongside Boston and East Lindsey, said: “Last year, the UK saw its hottest year on record, with the Met Office warning that longer, more intense heatwaves will become more frequent because of climate change.
“Conservationists state that newly-planted street trees need up to 50 litres of water per week during the summer months during their first three years.
“In a united effort, we urge all our residents across the south and east Lincolnshire to join forces and rally together watering our local street trees and save them. You don’t have to use fresh clean water you can use recycled water collected from a water butt maybe, or grey water which is left from your pot washing or bathing.
“Let’s ensure we keep our trees healthy for the future and give them the hydration they desperately need.”
Portfolio holder for Conservation at Coun Elizabeth Sneath (pictured) said: “It is so important that we support this campaign and all do our bit to help nature.
“Trees cool our towns and villages and improve air quality, so we must take care of our trees.
“New trees that were planted in the winter will not yet have an established root system so they need more help that any. Watering them can be a fun activity to do with your children or even as a chore in your daily routine.
“It can also encourage a sense of community spirit with neighbours coming together to care for their local trees.”