Help save the life of Lambeth’s trees

In the recent 40 degree heatwave, water and shade were vital to helping us cool down. But the trees that give us shade can't get out of the sun. Some are literally dying for a drink. Lambeth Council is rolling out extra watering for the borough's precious trees to help them survive an extended spell of hot, dry weather – and is also asking residents to help out.

Lambeth Council has planted hundreds of new trees on streets. Even when rain soaks our streets, it doesn't give trees a drink – it runs into drains. We need people to give something back to the trees that protect our environment – just water, just twice a week. Take a bucket of water – or two big jugs – and slowly give your nearest tree's roots a slow drink. Trees are (as you might expect) environmentally friendly and love recycled water – from a bath, washing up, or rain barrel.

Lambeth's Parks Team, who care for hundreds of trees, advise:

spring trees in Lambeth's Parks (Slade Gardens)

If you share a tree with neighbours, can you take it in turns, and both water your tree once a week. Try your street's Whatsapp? or Facebook group about setting up a rota to get trees in the street watered when there's no rain.