Get funding and advice for planting your own trees

Location is important when considering planting a tree as it could cause damage to habitats in some areas.

Some areas of land have special protections due to their wildlife or archaeology, so planting trees in these places may be against the law.

To find out if you can plant a tree in an area:

• check for national designations
• check for local designations
• check if the area is listed
• check if you need permission from the council (if it's on the verge of a highway)

It is best practice in general to:

• plant smaller species of trees so there is less risk of the roots interfering with utilities and cabling
• avoid planting too close to land boundaries so the roots don't negatively affect neighbouring land

You are also able to suggest locations for trees to be planted within roadsides and verges managed and maintained by us.

For more information see Apply to plant a tree on council land.

In England, you do not need planning permission to plant less than two hectares (20,000 sq. metres) in a low risk area. These are places that have no existing designations. Otherwise, you would need an Environmental Impact Assessment from the Forestry Commission.

Subject to the above, you can plant on your own private land, but should always seek permission from the landowner if you want to plant elsewhere.

For schools and community groups thinking about planting at your school, make sure you speak to the council’s Education team to plan your planting.

If you want to plant on roads and highways in your community, view our application page for planting on council land.

Find out if an existing tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

The space needed to plant the tree depends on the size of the tree to be planted. You will need to consider the tree once grown rather than the space needed while it is young.

If planting in a woodland setting then plant 3 to 4 metres apart and if planting a hedgerow, plant at 4 per metre in a staggered row.

Before you choose a type of tree you have to consider the soil in the area you will be planting it.

Certain types of tree will grow better in particular types of soil. It is best to avoid planting on peaty soils completely.

The following tree types grow well on chalk:

• beech
• large leaved lime
• bird cherry
• yew
• field maple hazel
• wayfaring tree

The following tree types grow well on clay:

• common oak
• ash
• hawthorn
• crab apple
• hazel
• wild cherry
• dogwood

You will most likely want to plant juvenile trees (saplings). These come in two types:

1. Whips – normally 100 to 125cm, although may be smaller
2. Feathered or feathered whip – approximately 175cm to 250cm tall

When purchasing your tree, you should ensure the retailer is part of the Plant Healthy Certification Scheme.

The tree planting season broadly runs from October to April, so you should aim to complete your planting during these months.

View the Woodland trusts guidance on how to plant a tree and how to care for them afterwards.

The safety of trees is nearly always the responsibility of the owner of the land on which they grow. The tree owner has a duty under the Occupiers Liability Acts to take reasonable steps to ensure visitors or trespassers on their land are safe. Public liability insurance cover is available for woodland owners.