TREES help to make Hillingdon one of the greenest boroughs in London - and the council is inviting people to become involved in looking after them.

As London Tree Week draws to a close, it is offering the opportunity to to care for a young tree growing in a public place near you.

Young trees are vulnerable to the weather and really benefit from watering. The removal of weeds from their base greatly increases the way the trees become established.

Volunteers can also report graffiti, vandalism or weather damage that affects the trees they look after.

Jean Palmer, deputy chief executive, said: “We have more than 200 parks and green spaces, plus the most Green Flags in the country, and we take pride in the quality and diversity of our trees.

“It’s a lovely way of making a contribution to your community and ensuring that well-kept trees are a feature of Hillingdon’s landscape for generations to come.”

Jo Ginn, 33, from Ickenham, was inspired to sign up for the scheme by her children.

“Both my children have a keen interest in the environment and are aware of how important trees are to us all,” she said.

“I believe that this is something to be encouraged. I look forward to tending to the tree, nurturing it with my children, watching it grow along with them, and I hope in the future that my grandchildren would learn from it, too.”

To register your interest, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/parkevents and click on ‘Care for a tree’, where there is a short form to fill in.

A tree-themed walk called Every Tree Has a Story, which will describe the uses, myths and legends associated with trees, is taking place at Eastcote House Gardens tomorrow (Saturday), starting at 12.15pm.