Tree watering & caretaking

The immediate need: watering young trees during summer

The initial impetus for the formation of Fulham Cemetery Friends was the planting of 36 new trees in winter 2023/24, after a long period of decline in the cemetery's trees. We would love to see the trees survive and thrive, so volunteers are watering the trees regularly over summer.

For years, the number of trees in the cemetery has 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.

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!

Tree watering: guidance for volunteers

Read more: Tree watering guidance for volunteers 👉

Volunteers can access the waiting room, which has watering cans, short hoses, and bowser.
The water bowser is used for trees that are furthest from the water points.
Each tree has a label affixed with the tree’s number, and who is watering it.

Caretaking

If a grave is just beginning to be covered by ivy or bramble, this can be carefully removed without damaging the stone. Badly overgrown monuments are left alone.

Fulham Cemetery Friends help to keep the cemetery tidy with occasional gardening and caretaking jobs such as: 

We liaise with the Council and their contractors to ensure that we follow their guidelines for any work:

Caretaking in the cemetery is completely voluntary. Friends are under no obligation to take part. More guidance is available for volunteers.