Tree planting strategy

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Trees provide a myriad of benefits to the local and wider environment and have arguably never been more relevant and important than they are today. Within the urban environment they provide shade, absorb pollutants and can lessen the impact of noise pollution and the risk of flooding through rainwater interception.

Trees help create desirable environments, contribute to identity and a sense of place which has been proven to have positive effects upon our well-being, alongside essential habitat and resource for wildlife. Canopy coverage within the North Northamptonshire Council area currently stands at 10.5%, the government's committee on climate change wishes to increase the UK's tree cover to 17% by 2050, which equates to approximately 1.5 billion trees nationally.

Whilst trees are an important component in helping tackle climate change, the effects of climate change bring new challenges that can negatively impact upon our existing stock. The numbers of pests and diseases our trees are exposed to have increased significantly in recent years and the stresses placed upon them from prolonged periods of drought and flooding can have a detrimental impact upon their health, increasing premature decline and the loss of existing canopy.

It is our aim to ensure our treescape is not only enhanced, but also remains sustainable and resilient to pests and disease within a changing climate.

2.0 Scope

2.1 The tree planting strategy covers all tree planting activity undertaken directly by us across the council estate. It also provides advice and guidance to support tree planting undertaken by private landowners outside of the council estate.

3.0 Policy outcomes

3.1 North Northamptonshire Council strives to provide a resilient, well managed and sustainable tree stock across public and private land through a program of engagement, tree planting and exploration of every available opportunity to increase tree canopy cover.

Through an increase in canopy cover we will realise key benefits not limited to improving air quality, cooling streets, improving mental health, decreasing water pollution and improving biodiversity.

3.2 This strategy aims to increase tree canopy coverage across North Northamptonshire, increase biodiversity within the tree stock, improve planting and aftercare of new trees, improve biosecurity reducing the risk of pests and diseases damaging the tree stock and increase community involvement with planting schemes and aftercare.

4.0 Tree planting strategy

4.1 Increased tree canopy coverage.

4.2 Increasing the urban tree canopy is vital for enhancing environmental quality and public wellbeing. Urban trees provide numerous benefits, including improved air quality, reduced urban heat islands, increased biodiversity, and enhanced mental health for residents. Urban forestry plans should prioritise tree planting in underserved areas with low canopy cover. Sites should include parks, streets, civic buildings and housing developments.

Current canopy coverage within the North Northamptonshire Council area is 10.55%. An increase of 6.5% over 25 years will be achieved through strategic planting of 600 - 700 trees per year alongside natural regeneration of strategic sites and other planting initiatives. Planting is not the only way to achieve this, with the protection of existing trees contributing to a well-managed, healthy and thriving tree stock, will continue to enhance the existing canopy.

4.3 The principle of "right tree, right place" emphasises selecting tree species that are well-suited to specific environmental conditions and planting location. This approach ensures that trees thrive, providing maximum ecological and aesthetic benefits while minimising maintenance and risk. Factors which must be considered include soil type, climate, available space, and local biodiversity. Urban planners and landscapers will collaborate with ecologists and arborists to choose species that match the site’s conditions and community needs.

Implementing this principle helps create sustainable, resilient green spaces that enhance urban environments and support diverse ecosystems. Prior to undertaking any tree planting schemes our Planning Archaeology team will be consulted regarding the site to ensure the historic environment of an area is taken into account and that archaeological remains are not compromised. Where sites are identified as being of historic importance any schemes will be adapted to incorporate these features or alternatives sites will be used.

4.4 Establishment of the planting hierarchy enables us to incorporate different land assets into areas of regeneration and establish thriving habitats alongside regeneration opportunities. The 3 main forms of canopy cover increase will be sought through standard planting programs of semi mature specimens, woodland planting of bare root whips and saplings throughout the understory to protect canopy coverage decline through pest and disease and natural regeneration of strategic sites with identified low canopy coverage.

4.5 Increased biodiversity.

4.6 Promoting tree species diversity in the UK is crucial for the health and resilience of its ecosystems. This diversity ensures that tree stock can better withstand pests, diseases, and the impacts of climate change. It also enhances biodiversity, providing habitats for a wide array of wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. The following characteristics should be considered when making a species choice for any given site:

• The ultimate dimensions of the tree and whether there is space for those dimensions to be realised
• The speed of growth and final form of the tree
• The potential longevity of the tree
• The foliage characteristics of the tree (size, shape, density, length of season, evergreen or deciduous)
• The floral characteristics of the tree (pollen, colour, flowering season and length, scent, prominence of flowers)
• The fruit and seed characteristics of the tree (size, toxicity, edibility, persistence)
• The bark and twig characteristics of the tree (colour, texture, peeling or not)
• Resistance or susceptibility to pests and diseases and inherent structural defects such as weak branch attachments
• Other relevant characteristics including thorns, honeydew, autumnal leaf decomposition, attraction to insects, branch drop, allergies
• The rooting characteristics of the tree (depth, spread, vigour, stability)
• Tolerance of pruning, including formative pruning
• Tolerance of pollution (air, waterborne, salt, gas, chemical)
• Tolerance of variable soil conditions (pH levels, presence of contaminated material, structure, texture, profile, clay content, moisture retention, nutrients)
• Resistance or susceptibility to drought, solar heat scorch and flooding
• Tolerance of exposed positions and wind

4.7 Educational campaigns can highlight the ecological benefits, such as improved air and water quality, enhanced soil health, and increased resilience against environmental stress. Engaging local communities through tree planting events and workshops can foster a sense of stewardship and connection to the natural environment.

4.8 Urban planners and landscapers should be encouraged to use a mix of native and non-native species, avoiding monocultures that are vulnerable to specific threats. Incorporating a variety of species in public parks, streets, and private gardens can create a mosaic of habitats, supporting a broader range of flora and fauna. The planting of fruit trees is desirable for biodiversity, however specific consideration needs to be given to purpose and location.

Creating ‘community orchards’ can be a sustainable way to introduce local sources of fruit and nuts into new communities. The planting of fruit and nut trees within the green infrastructure of a site allows for foraging and reduces the ‘nuisance’ factors from insects and birds attracted to the trees which might otherwise be close to buildings and public areas. Planting close to or within footpaths should be avoided so not to cause slip and trip hazards.

4.9 Conservation efforts should prioritise the protection and restoration of ancient woodlands and hedgerows, which are reservoirs of genetic diversity. These areas can serve as seed banks and sources of diverse genetic material, aiding in the reforestation and diversification efforts across the country. By integrating education, policy, research, and community engagement, we can effectively promote tree species diversity, securing a healthier and more resilient future for its tree stock and the myriad of species that depend on them.

4.10 Improved planting and aftercare.

4.11 Post-planting management and maintenance is important if longevity in the landscape is to be achieved. A full young tree management program with budgetary provision should be in place for all planting schemes. This management program should be in place for at least 3 years to track tree health, growth and survival rates over time.

4.12 Mulch: is beneficial to transplanting success and should be used wherever practical. The root flare and the base of the stem should be maintained free from mulch. A mulch depth of 50 mm to 100 mm of organic mulch is effective. The use of biodegradable mulch mats may also be appropriate.

4.13 Protection: There are many forms of tree protection, such as tree grilles and grids and tree cages and guards. Where these are used, the future development of the tree should be prioritised over the aesthetic qualities of the tree protection.

4.14 Irrigation: The timing and frequency of irrigation should consider the prevailing weather conditions, soil moisture release characteristics, and the response of the tree species to water deficits or periods of prolonged soil saturation. The frequency of irrigation is more important than the volume of water given at any one time. Increased water volumes cannot compensate for a lack of frequency. Irrigation plans should also take into account the findings of the original site assessment and the subsequent species choice made. The frequency and extent of irrigation should consider the prevailing weather conditions e.g. prolonged dry periods or rainfall patterns.

4.15 Pruning: Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote healthy growth and structural integrity. Formative pruning should be carried out in accordance with BS 3998 as required throughout the early years of a tree’s life in the landscape. Some of the nursery-prepared branching structure is temporary, and formative pruning should continue until a permanent structurally sound scaffold system of branches typical of the species and appropriate to the site circumstances is produced.

4.16 Pest and disease management: Monitor trees regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures for control.

4.17 Monitoring and maintenance: Stakes and ties should be checked at least annually to ensure that the root system remains stable and firm in the ground. All stakes and ties should be removed as soon as the developing root system is strong enough to support the tree.

4.18 Improved biosecurity.

4.19 Trees are to be procured from reputable nurseries, in accordance with the council’s prevailing procurement regulations, as the use of these companies ensures tree are supplied by business within house plant health policies and standards.

4.20 Suppliers will only be used by us who adhere to bio-security policies including the following, in line with DEFRA guidance.

• Have and publish a ‘plant health assurance’ process to ensure ‘good practice’ in purchasing and growing processes with full documentation and record keeping
• Can demonstrate that they comply with all government regulations and legislation to ensure that plant health remains at the highest of standards and the risk of disease entering the UK is controlled and minimised
• Avoid importing any high risk Xylella Genus and will not import plants of any Genus from designated outbreak areas (as listed on DEFRA Plant Health Portal) - in accordance with HTA guidance
• Clearly demonstrate and operate a zero-tolerance policy for notifiable pest, disease and weed on all imported stock
• Through consultants, trade bodies and ‘plant health portal’, remain up to date with plant health developments with a nominated members of staff responsible for this and can be accessed as required prior to purchase and delivery
• Assurance that all companies and their suppliers are all plant pass-ported in accordance with current legislation
• Plants are only purchased from approved suppliers who have been audited demonstrating best practice regarding plant health
• An auditable history of practicing high levels of nursery hygiene, maintaining crop inspection and husbandry records
• Upon receipt, all plants are inspected by nominated, trained staff in accordance with current procedure. Inspection reports are kept on all ‘goods in’
• Staff are trained thoroughly to recognise and report pest and disease
• Suppliers will have an open and recognised relationship with the local plant health inspectorate to keep nurseries clean

4.21 Increased community involvement.

4.22 Volunteer involvement: The council will work collaboratively with constituted friends of groups, the tree warden network and the volunteers of the Woodland Project to effectively engage community members in tree planting events, workshops, and educational programs to foster a sense of ownership and stewardship.

The established network of volunteers will be encouraged to attend regular meetings, training modules and will join webinars and workshops delivered by The Tree Council, and other organisations in partnership with us. This will be expanded across the wider North Northamptonshire area. Tree wardens will run tree planting events and present talks to schools and other groups throughout the North Northamptonshire Council area.

Scout groups, youth clubs and schools will be engaged with and encouraged to join local tree planting events through connections made by the woodland project, tree warden network and external partnerships.

The council will seek to work in partnership with Eco groups running tree planting events and educational talks for their local community. The council will support initiatives through interactive sessions, workshops and demonstrations to enhance planting techniques and further education on after care and tree health. This will extend to corporate groups adding social benefits, possible funding streams, engagement and awareness of local initiatives through collaborative work programs and engagement.

4.23 Public awareness campaigns: Raise awareness about the benefits of trees for the environment, economy, and public health through outreach initiatives, social media campaigns, and educational materials. Tree wardens and friends of groups will help to raise awareness for the importance of trees to the communities in their local areas.

Most tree planting sites will be accessible to the public who can freely access them and feel the benefits of the trees in person and experience the benefits they have for biodiversity and the environment. Encourage community groups to apply to grant schemes and join in with tree planting initiatives in their local area.

School programs: Collaborate with schools to integrate tree planting activities into the curriculum, teaching students about ecology, climate change, and environmental stewardship. Work with schools to help them access resources for tree planting including free trees to plant within the school grounds and free educational resources.

Encourage schools to apply to grant schemes and join in with tree planting initiatives in their local area or within their school grounds. Encourage tree planting for educational use including the creation of outdoor classrooms and planting fruit trees to create orchards. Provide schools with opportunities to volunteer and help to plant trees to gain hands on experience.

4.24 Long-term engagement.

• Maintain ongoing communication with the community to sustain interest and involvement in tree planting efforts, celebrating milestones and achievements together
• Tree wardens will be encouraged to attend meetings and training allowing them to assist with tree maintenance, aftercare and monitor trees through tree health surveys - new members will be encouraged to join the network
• Encourage schools and community groups to visit the tree planting sites and utilise the space for outdoor classrooms and educational resources
• Establish a tree nursery to support local biodiversity and tackle climate change in conjunction with the woodland project, by providing a source of native trees to replenish our tree stock and for local communities, businesses and individuals that is reliable, accessible and cost effective
• Engaging businesses in planting schemes to achieve corporate objectives

4.25 Overall objectives.

5.0 Next steps

5.1 The publication of planting guidance and species list will be uploaded to the website and updated as required. This will cover land owned and controlled by the council:

• Open space planting
• Community orchards
• Hedgerows
• Private land and highways

Last updated 20 November 2024