What this means for tree watering
Due to the prolonged dry weather, several ‘hosepipe bans’ are now in place across the country. Temporary use bans are localised restrictions on certain types of water use, where water companies introduce them.
At present, we are aware of four water companies who have announced temporary use bans. We are pleased to see that each of these companies have made discretionary exemptions for the watering of young trees.
Depending on your location, you may still be able to water young trees using a hosepipe connected to a mains water supply but check your water company’s website for the exact details.
We recommend using alternatives to tap water and the use of hosepipes, wherever possible. This might include captured rainwater or water reused from a bath or shower. Water is a critical resource and should be acknowledged as such.
Exemptions announced by water company
(updated 18/07/25)
‘Watering trees, whips, saplings and hedging planted before the ban, in the last planting year, where this cannot be reasonably done by way of a watering can.’
Watering standard urban trees
- Planted within 3 years, where hand-watering or non-potable water is not feasible’
‘Using a hosepipe to water standard trees (including standard trees with a branchless stem of at least 1.8m high which are planted in urban settings, such as streets), whips, saplings and hedging planted within the last three years of the start of this prohibition, where this cannot be hand watered or watered with non-potable water.’
‘You may water ‘standard’ trees planted in the last three planting seasons that cannot reasonably be hand-watered or watered with non-potable water. A ‘standard’ trees is a tree with a single stem with clear trunk [no side branches] for at least 1.8m above the ground.’
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Trees play a vital role in mitigating the effects of the climate crisis, supporting urban cooling and water management.
They are part of the solution, and watering young trees is an investment in the future.
Find out more about our young tree watering campaign: trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Tree-Care-Campaigns/Watering-Young-Trees