Species Selection & Tree Planting
It’s vital to choose the right tree species for its chosen location – the tree needs to establish and thrive.
Tree species have many different attributes that can enhance a site and create interest. Get the choice wrong, though, and the tree could cause a nuisance or fail to establish if the site conditions are incompatible.
Climate change and emerging pests and disease threats are a major factor. It’s important to limit these threats via species diversity, genetic variation and provenance – in other words, through using exotic rather than native species. This is a more certain way to achieve resilience and longevity in a sustainable, robust tree population.
See how I can help with trees and arboricultural consultancy
Managing and replacing trees
Keeping and managing existing tress preserves the benefits they provide. But there are multiple reasons why trees sometimes need to be removed – to restore a safe, ‘functional’ environment, for example, or as part of a programme to upgrade declining, low-value species with an alternative species or larger quantity of trees that give improved benefits.
The 100-year tree strategy
I can develop a tree strategy that looks forward at least 100 years, which can be very little in the life of a tree, of course.
It starts with surveying, with ground surveys complemented where necessary by drone and satellite imaging. The resulting tree inventory gives an understanding of the current tree stock –extent of cover, species make-up, age range, distribution and condition.
You will then gain from a comprehensive strategy that incorporates short-, medium- and long-term objectives (with full reviews every five years) and is based on realistic budgeting guided by the stock value using applications such as CAVAT and itree.
Species selection criteria
| Areas of consideration include | Example factors |
|---|---|
| Tree size and crown characteristics | Mature size, crown form, crown density |
| Planting site | Parkland, coastal, paving, urban, small garden, green corridor, highway, street infrastructure |
| Tolerance of the planting environment | Shade, drought, waterlogging, restricted root space, low nutrient |
| Potential issues | Thorns, leaf litter, potential allergenicity, suckering, shading |
| Benefits required | Increased biodiversity, rainwater interception, carbon sequestration, aesthetic, soften hard surfaces |
How I can help
Once we have established your selection criteria, I can provide a detailed planting plan that assesses the site and gives practical recommendations on species, stock size and type. This may also include protection measures from pests and other threats such as vehicle damage, vandalism and compaction by pedestrians.