site.btaSofia Launches Weekly Watering Campaign to Protect Young Trees from Summer Heat

Sofia City Hall announced Friday the start of a weekly watering schedule for young trees planted along sidewalks and roadways across the city, aiming to boost their survival chances during the summer heat. The initiative is part of efforts to mitigate the effects of high temperatures, low soil and air humidity, and the “urban heat island” phenomenon, which threaten the health of newly planted vegetation.

All saplings planted between 2020 and 2024 will be watered weekly, while those planted in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025 will receive water twice a week. The campaign will run from June to September, adjusting to weather conditions to ensure that each tree receives the necessary amount of water.

Watering efforts will prioritize major roads, where most of the trees are planted and conditions are harshest, but will also extend to smaller side streets and residential areas. To improve efficiency, the municipality will water trees primarily during the cooler hours of the day from July to September.

In areas where water trucks cannot easily reach - such as narrow inner-city streets - slow-release watering bags will continue to be used. This system helps reduce water loss through surface evaporation and increases overall irrigation efficiency.

Sofia Municipality is also encouraging citizens to help care for the young trees near their homes and workplaces.

Earlier this spring, the city launched a large-scale planting campaign, adding more than 1,600 broadleaf and conifer trees, along with ornamental shrubs, to boulevards, streets, parks, and gardens in all city districts.