Tree planting

We plant trees in the town between November and March each year on council-owned or maintained land. Many of the trees planted are replacements for ones which have been removed for various reasons throughout the year. We prioritise replacing trees in designated conservation areas over those outside these areas. We will try to meet residents' requests for new trees where funds allow.

When choosing which trees to plant, our policy is to use a wide variety of different species. This will help protect against the impact of climate change. Some tree species will be particularly vulnerable to changes in climate whilst other will thrive in, for example, hotter and drier or cooler and wetter weather patterns.

Choosing a wide variety of tree species as urban canopy cover will also help protect from the impact of new pests and diseases such as horse chestnut leaf minor and ash die-back.

Trees officers also consider more localised impacts such as:

• shade a tree might cast on a nearby property
• eventual tree size and shape
• the amount of water a tree will take from the soil
• the amount of leaves, fruit or seeds a tree might drop
• how quickly a tree will grow

Memorial plaques are not installed at the base of, or attached to any part of the tree.  However, if you would like a memorial plaque you may be interested in sponsoring a bench.