💧Tree watering has started! Can you help?
The initial impetus for the formation of Fulham Cemetery Friends was the planting of 36 new trees in winter 2023/24. A volunteer group was organised to water the new trees regularly over summer.
Watering trees in hot weather
Guidance for volunteers
Past years
For years, the number of trees in the cemetery had been declining, with no new trees planted to replace losses. But in the winter of 2023 the council planted 36 new trees in the cemetery. 22 more trees have been planted since.
Read more: Trees in Fulham Cemetery 👉
The Arboricultural Association advises that young trees need regular watering during spring and summer, in the first 3 years after planting. This is not always done by the council. Regular watering by volunteers is critical if the trees are to survive.
As a general rule, a young tree should receive at least 50 litres of water per week in May, June, July and August.
By coordinating our efforts, this task becomes manageable. We have set up a tree watering rota so members can "adopt" trees for watering, ensuring that none are overlooked or overwatered.
Please fill in the form if you would like to help!
Watering has started! There are 58 trees to water, not all adopted yet!
Please let the Friends know if you are watering trees! Follow the instructions below.
We aim for 60 liters per tree per week (6 watering cans).
This could be done on a single day, or over the course of a week.
Volunteers add their name to an irrigation slot (20 liters) in the watering spreadsheet. A tree can be shared by multiple volunteers.
Only sign up for as much as you feel able. Take into account the tree's distance from watering points.
Watering cans, short hoses, and a water bowser are available in the waiting room.
Tree watering status can be checked on the tree map.
Click tree watering status in the tree map to see where the new trees are, and which of them still need more volunteers
September 2024: 👏 Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated team of volunteers, no trees were lost over the summer – well done! 👏
September 2025: 👏 All 37 young trees are still alive, thanks to our faithful volunteers. 👏