17/08/2026
🌳 Can you still water street trees during a hosepipe ban? 🚿
With dry spells and Temporary Use Bans in place across the South West, many residents have been asking us: ‘Can I still water my newly planted trees or local street trees?’
The short answer: YES!
Here is what you need to know to keep our local canopy healthy without falling foul of water restrictions:
🪣 Buckets & Watering Cans are ALWAYS allowed: The ban applies strictly to hosepipes connected to the mains supply. Using a watering can, rainwater butt, or clean greywater is 100% permitted.
🌿 Exemption for Young Trees: Under water company regulations, newly planted trees, saplings, and whips can be watered using a hosepipe if watering by hand is not reasonably practicable to prevent tree loss.
💧 Drip Irrigation is Permitted: Fixed drip or trickle irrigation systems feeding directly to root systems (fitted with a timer and pressure-reducing valve) are generally exempt.
🏛️ Council & Commercial Maintenance: Street tree maintenance carried out by local authorities, commercial contractors, and tree wardens is exempt from domestic restrictions.
Quick Tree Care Tips:
Give it a deep soak: Give your tree 10–20 litres (1–2 full watering cans) once or twice a week rather than a daily sprinkle. This encourages deep, drought-resilient root growth.
Time it right: Water early in the morning or in the evening to avoid rapid evaporation in the midday sun.
Use the pipe or watering bag: If the tree has a green irrigation bag or a perforated pipe at its base, pour water directly into it to deliver hydration straight to the roots.
Got questions regarding tree health, BS5837 planning reports, or tree safety inspections across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset? Reach out to our team:
📞 Office: 01837 759 179 (Ext.2)
📱 Mobile: 07817 573 066
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.oakvalleytc.co.uk