Wandsworth Council is set to review its tree watering contract after concerns were raised about the survival rate of newly planted trees during recent dry spells. Councillor James Craig highlighted that residents had expressed worries about the trees' condition, suggesting that some of the newly planted ones might not have actually survived that period of drought.
Councillor Brooks, the Cabinet Member for the Environment, acknowledged that possibly something's gone wrong with the watering contract.
He stated that a clearer picture of how many trees have not survived is expected by the end of the month. The contract in question began in April, and Councillor Brooks expressed concern, noting that we know we've lost a lot of trees.
An urgent review will be conducted with the contractor to assess the effectiveness of the mechanisms in place to hold them responsible for trees that die, as stipulated by the contract. Councillor Brooks stated, we need to get engaged closely with the contractor and assess whether the mechanisms in place that make them responsible for trees that die because that's how that contract is set up are working properly.
Councillor Brooks credited tree-warden volunteers for their efforts in watering trees during the drought, stating that without them, we'd have lost a lot more.
He emphasized that regardless of responsibility, the loss of trees is really disappointing and frustrating and upsetting for everyone involved.