Resident tree watering initiative grows

Encouraged by Harrow Council and commended for her civic mindedness, Ruth Smith of Pinner has embarked on a word-of-mouth initiative to encourage residents across the borough to water their neighbourhood trees.

"I travel from Pinner into Harrow-on-the-Hill a lot and I noticed four trees

that had been recently planted by the council in a bad state. The weather at

the moment is said to be the driest since 1929 as a result they are really

struggling," resident Ruth Smith said.

"I would urge residents to come out with their bucket of water. If everyone

did it, they would all thrive. I would say to people; step beyond your driveway," she added.

Spurred into action, Ruth has already recruited friends and neighbours.

"Harrow is meant to be a lovely leafy borough. We need to act ourselves too as well as the council. I am trying to encourage my friends and neighbours to do the same."

One such friend, Jennifer McIlvenny from Durley Avenue, Pinner has already

taken on the resident tree watering initiative.

"I have some new trees all along my road and I have started watering them

when I am doing my own garden. I think there is another woman down the road

who has started doing it too, so hopefully it will encourage others," she

said:

"All it takes is five minutes from your day and it makes such a difference to

the trees and to the area," she added.

Brendon Hills, Corporate Director Community and Environment said:

"I am really delighted to see residents taking this initiative. We planted over 1,000 new trees in Harrow last year. The dry weather means the trees need more attention than usual. We regularly water them but during the summer months and this particularly dry period they would benefit from an extra bucketful from our residents. If others were to take the initiative like these two ladies, it would give the trees in the

borough a huge boost."

Cllr. Bill Stephenson, Leader of the Council, said:

"I would absolutely commend these local residents. It is an excellent example of Harrow's community spirit which we hope to build on in our Better Deal for Residents programme. I hope this initiative continues to grow in strength and numbers. I would suggest that people take a leaf out of these residents' books and extend their watering to neighbourhood trees. Our Neighbourhood Champions might wish to get involved in this too."