There's this: Firefighters have to water the trees to keep them from drying out.

In response to prolonged heatwaves and a lack of rainfall, firefighters in Varazdin have been tasked with watering young trees planted across public spaces to prevent them from drying out. The city has launched an intensive irrigation campaign to save these vulnerable plants, many of which were recently planted under the "Varazdin under Canopies" project. The initiative follows concerns over the survival of newly planted trees, particularly those lacking fully developed root systems. The situation arose after the city decided to terminate its contract with a Zagreb-based company responsible for watering the trees. The firm had been selected as the most cost-effective option following a public tender, but it failed to meet its contractual obligations. As a result, the city will seek compensation from the company's guarantees. In the interim, local firefighters and the company Parkovi d.o.o. have taken over the responsibility of watering the trees. The affected area includes nearly 50 locations within the city and surrounding neighborhoods, where approximately 1,000 trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses have been planted over recent years. These greenery projects aim to enhance urban aesthetics and environmental sustainability. However, the current drought conditions have placed these new plantings at risk, especially the younger ones unable to withstand extended periods without water. Firefighters from Varazdin have mobilized their personnel, vehicles, and equipment to support the irrigation efforts. According to officials, the operation began immediately at sites where tree conditions were deemed worst. The city emphasized its gratitude toward the firefighters for their prompt response and willingness to assist in this critical task. The irrigation campaign will continue as long as the extreme weather conditions persist. City authorities are monitoring the condition of the trees on-site and are prepared to expand the intervention to additional locations if necessary. This proactive approach aims to mitigate further damage and ensure the survival of the newly planted vegetation. The decision to end the contract with the initial service provider highlights the challenges faced by local governments in ensuring compliance with public contracts. While the company was chosen based on financial considerations, its failure to deliver services has forced the city to take emergency measures. Officials noted that the city will pursue legal avenues to recover costs associated with the breach of contract. Residents and local businesses have expressed concern over the impact of the drought on the city’s green spaces. Some community members have called for increased investment in sustainable landscaping practices that can better withstand harsh climatic conditions. Others have praised the city’s swift action in addressing the crisis and involving emergency services in the effort. Environmental experts have warned that such extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent due to climate change, emphasizing the need for resilient urban planning. They suggested that future planting initiatives should prioritize species better adapted to dry conditions and incorporate more efficient irrigation systems to reduce dependency on manual watering during droughts. As the city continues its efforts to protect its newly planted greenery, officials remain vigilant against further deterioration caused by ongoing heatwaves. They are working closely with local contractors and experts to develop long-term strategies for maintaining urban forests amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.