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| PLANNING - PLANTING - AFTERCARE - INDEX |
| There are many factors to consider when
planting a tree its not just a case of dig a hole and drop it in. It will require a fair
amount of planning, three initial things to remember are what, where and why. WHERE When selecting a site use the following checklist as a guide. Who owns the site? Will the owner carry out the planting if not will they allow the planting? What are the uses of the site and adjacent land and will planting affect these uses? Will planting damage existing habitats that are already present? Is natural regeneration present as this may be helped in ways other than planting? Find out the long term future of the site. WHAT Once an appropriate site has been found, the next step is to choose the correct trees for the site. Size when selecting a tree consider what it will look like in 20, 50, 100 years time so allow space for height and spread of canopy and roots. Site conditions type of soil, lighting, water to much or to little,air pollutants and compacted ground. The affects on building and pavements. Trees that produce poisonous fruits i.e. female yews and laburnum are not suitable for areas where children play. Likewise trees that may cause stomach ache if fruits are eaten i.e. crab apple are best avoided near play areas. Size of tree to be planted, generally the smaller the tree when planted the more readily it becomes established and grows. However small tree stock cannot be planted in the footway because the lowest branches must be at a height of two metres to allow the passage of pedestrians. As a guide small transplants for the local park/school/front or back garden. Standard trees for streets/shopping precincts. Semi mature trees for prestigious sites for instant impact. WHY Among the most important conservation and amenity reasons for planting trees are. To improve landscape amenity, or to screen the appearance of buildings. To diversify wildlife habitats or provide shelter in open spaces. or to stabilize easily eroded soils and spoil tips. To replace hedgerows, farmland and amenity trees which have been lost through felling, disease, or old age and were an important part of the local landscape. To supplement natural regeneration where this is inadequate in felled or derelict woodland. To produce timber and wood for sale. |