Tree planting
We welcome suggestions for new street tree locations.
Planting season
The tree planting season runs from November to March and we will consider requests for new street trees before the planting season starts.
Considering new sites
When we consider new street tree sites, we take into account:
- Evidence of underground services such as pipes or cables (determined by trial holes)
- Locations of existing trees on the highway
- Positions of trees in private gardens
- Positions of street furniture
- Size of the front gardens
- The size/species of trees which would best suit the location
- Street tree history of the site
New tree pits
New tree pits are part of our plan to increase the number of street trees across the borough.
All proposed sites have gone through vigorous checks including:
- Checking by two officers
- Exploratory digging by our tree planting contractor
These have confirmed they are suitable locations for planting.
If you have concerns about the pavement, its condition or current cleaning regime then you can report this online.
Tree pit planting
We welcome resident efforts to green our streets by planting the bases of tree pits with flowers, small shrubs and plants.
Benefits
This can provide valuable food sources for helpful insects, transform our streets into wildlife corridors, connect our greenspaces and improve the look of our streets for everyone.
Keeping trees healthy and the environment safe
Tree pits can be a great location to plant wildflowers, ferns, annuals, bulbs and perennial plants. It is important that the planting of tree bases does not interfere with the health of the tree or with the use of the highway.
Any raised edging can create a trip hazard for pedestrians and may have to be removed.
Raising the soil level of the tree pit can hold moisture against the trunk and will start to decay the base of the tree. This can be disastrous for trees, both young and established.
Larger plants can spill onto the footpath or road, and residents should ensure the plants are kept under control and within the boundaries of the tree pit.
Possible damage
Street trees require regular inspection and maintenance work. Thoroughly inspecting the base of a tree is an essential step in the health and safety surveys our officers carry out.
Every care will be taken by tree officers and the contractor’s operatives, but there may be times where plants are damaged or pruned.
Watering
Plants and shrubs may start to outcompete street trees for water, especially if the tree is newly planted.
If residents are regularly watering the plants around the base, then this should not be an issue, and the young trees can live happily with the plants around their base.
Successful tree pit planting
You should:
- Plant small flowers, bulbs, shrubs or plants
- Plant nectar rich, flowering species that are good for bees
- Keep any plants under control, ensuring the footpath and roads are kept clear
- Keep the soil level with the surrounding pavement
- Regularly water the plants in the tree pit, especially if the tree is young
- Tie up a green ribbon around the tree trunk if you plant it.
Please don't:
- Install any raised edging around the tree pit
- Raise the soil level in the tree pit
- Add landscaping materials like pebbles or gravel
- Plant spikey, poisonous or invasive species
- Dig too deep or damage any roots
Maintenance
All new street trees planted are maintained for the first 24 months, which includes watering as and when necessary.
After this period the new street trees become part of our regular inspection and maintenance programme.
You can support newly planted trees in your street by watering them in their first year.
Recommend a location
If you would like to suggest a location for a new street tree, contact us.