Contractors have doubled their efforts to save a £40,000 tree-planting scheme from wilting under rising temperatures.
Recent scorching weather has been welcomed by sun worshippers, but has put up to 160 saplings planted in Witham last year under threat.
The scheme to bring more greenery to the town was paid for with council money donated by developers.
Trees planted included elder, hornbeam, English oak and silver birch and have a cage around them to protect them while they develop.
Witham Tree Group chairman Barry Fleet said several residents had raised concerns.
A Braintree Council spokesman said: "Our contractors have doubled the amount of water the trees are receiving, and we are confident all is being done to keep them alive.”
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