Local residents are being encouraged to support their local environment by watering the newly-planted trees on their streets during the hot weather.
The Trees for Streets initiative – as well as additional tree planting as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy jubilee celebrations – have seen more urban greenery throughout the borough.
However, the unprecedented hot weather has meant that the Council’s watering schedule will not be enough to sustain some of the recently-planted trees.
One Biddenham resident, who got in touch with the Bedford Independent to highlight the issue, said: “With the hot weather and lack of rainfall, the trees are now struggling. Some have died.
“Where I live, we are trying to do the watering ourselves, however, this is a Borough-wide issue that must be addressed or the trees will die.
“Please help; the trees need you.”
She said that maintenance was paid for as part of the tree sponsorship cost. “There is no excuse for the council’s slowness to react.”
A Borough Council spokesperson said, “The Council is working hard to keep the Borough’s newly planted street trees in good condition, though this extended period of unprecedented heat means they require some additional care and attention at the moment.
“In their first three years especially, these street trees require a significant amount of water to become established and flourish.
“We are aiming to refocus our resources in order to water the trees more regularly while temperatures are up, but if you have a local street tree nearby, especially a newer one, please consider watering it to help make sure it is receiving adequate care in order to thrive in the heat.”
