Apply to plant a tree on council land

If you're a town or parish council using suitably qualified contractors, you can start the tree planting process by applying for a cultivation licence.

Before you apply

Anyone can suggest locations for trees to be planted within roadsides and verges managed and maintained by the council.

To apply, you’ll need to provide the:

  • location where you would like the trees to be planted (including the grid reference)
  • map of the location
  • tree species (if known)
  • number of trees you would like planted

Costs

The application cost will depend on the location and how many trees you want us to plant. The cost will also be less for applicants willing to cover the establishment maintenance over the first 3 years, such as watering the tree.

We will give you a price once we've completed a survey at your suggested site..

Make an application

The application process will cover:

  • the licencing process for undertaking tree planting
  • the location of services and digging
  • insurance (Public Liability)
  • the requirements for tree planting works
  • selecting the right species and variety (right tree and right location)
  • location suitability

It's essential that trees planted next to roads offer minimal risk to the health and safety of the public and do not interfere with utilities such a water pipes or electricity supplies

Apply now

After you've applied

Completed forms will be reviewed by an appropriate Local Area Technician (LAT) and you will receive a response within 28 days.

If the suggested location is unsuitable, we'll respond to your application and suggest alternative locations wherever possible.

If your application is approved by the LAT, you can ask for an offer to be generated. This offer will be sent to you within 10 days and will be valid for 60 days from the date issued.

The offer will confirm the specification, such as:

  • location
  • tree species
  • number of trees
  • girth
  • costs
  • terms and conditions
  • use of mulch, mulch mats, irrigation system, staking and ties

If we receive your enquiry before 31 September, we may plant the tree(s) in the following season. This is usually between October and March.

Any roadside tree planting will be carried out by us or our representatives.

Find out more in our tree planting guidance, including how to plant the tree and what considerations must be made.

Contact us

For more information, contact [email protected].

If you have any concerns about roadside trees that are already planted, you can report a highways problem online.