Root and branch

It’s something the Tree Council has been advocating for years, and although many people – both individuals and organisations – have taken up the challenge to make Britain a greener place, there is still plenty of room left for improvement – and more trees.

At the moment, woodland cover in this country is less than 15 per cent. That’s quite an increase since 1980 when it was only just over nine per cent, but the UK is still one of the least-wooded countries in Europe and we all need to do something about it.

Which is why if you have the space (and it needn’t be a lot) and have been dithering about how to fill it, consider a tree. There are so many varieties, from small to gigantic, wide to model stick slim, evergreen, deciduous, floriferous, quick growing, slow growing, that the only problem is being spoiled for choice.

As the Tree Council points out, there is such a range of trees that is possible to select one to suit virtually any situation, from the small garden to the large estate, factory site or derelict area.

And if you haven’t got the garden or the space, you may be able to get permission (get it in writing) to plant a tree or trees on village greens, school grounds, city farms and road verges, in places where the trees will hide ugly views, or in the countryside.

Autumn may still be seen as the best time to plant trees because the soil is still warm from summer, but spring also presents the perfect opportunity, and there’s still plenty of time to make your choice and prepare the planting site.

There are tips on the Tree Council’s website about how to plant trees properly and then give them a few minutes of annual care in their early years to make sure that they survive.

Trees aren’t just beautiful; they are valuable in many other ways: from improving the quality of our lives, to moderating the climate and providing habitats for wildlife. Or as two famous slogans used to say – trees help you breathe more easily – and they look good, taste good (to some insects) and, by golly, they do you good.

Visit www.treecouncil.org.uk