Ljubljana waters trees despite drought, others restrict use

Ljubljana's trees are receiving consistent watering from the public utility company Voka Snaga, even amidst a severe heatwave and drought that has prompted water use restrictions in other areas. The company confirmed that there are currently no prohibitions on water usage in the capital.

Voka Snaga is adapting its watering schedule based on tree age, location, and weather conditions. Young trees, particularly those in their first three seasons after planting, receive priority. European standards typically suggest watering for the first two seasons, but Ljubljana extends this to three for its youngest trees. During the current heatwave, watering efforts are continuous, focusing on the most vulnerable trees.

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For now, there is no prohibition on water use.

However, the city's extensive green spaces, including lawns, are generally not watered due to their large scale. "Extremely high temperatures and prolonged drought pose considerable stress to all urban greenery," the company stated. This stress is visible in some young trees, which are showing signs of wilting, premature leaf drop, and drying out.

While Ljubljana is managing its watering efforts, the broader situation across Slovenia and other regions may differ. The article notes that several public water supply companies have already banned water use for activities like car washing and irrigation, highlighting the varying impacts of the drought.

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Extremely high temperatures and prolonged drought pose considerable stress to all urban greenery.