26th November to 4th December 2022
A celebration of all things trees. Started by The Tree Council almost 50 years ago, National Tree Week is the country's largest celebration of trees. During the week, communities, schools, businesses, conservationists and individuals come together to plant thousands of trees marking the start of the tree planting season.
Why are trees so important?
Trees are a hugely important part of our ecosystem - they are the lungs of the planet. They take in carbon monoxide and turn it into clean, pure oxygen. They act as great 'carbon sinks', taking in atmospheric carbon and storing it in wood, leaves, plant matter and the surrounding soil for many years. In addition to the climatic benefits, trees provide a home to more wildlife than any other landscape, hosting a huge percentage of the world's plant and animal species.
Trees provide wonderful health and well-being benefits to us, as humans. Spending time in woods and around trees has been shown to dramatically improve our mental well-being.
A report published during last year's National Tree Week, funded by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Welsh Government, estimated that visits to UK woodlands were estimated to save £185 million in treatment costs annually.
How can you get involved?
Plant a tree...or two...or more Whether you've got a balcony, middle-sized garden, or own an estate there is always something you can do. If you don't have space to plant anything in your own space, have a look at community planting schemes you can get involved with in your area. https://treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens/#map
Celebrate Trees Just get outside and amongst some trees. Take a walk in your local woods, visit an arboretum, appreciate the trees planted in your town or take a 'forest bath'. How many species can you recognise?
Donate Help fill the nation's schools with orchards. The Tree Council are on a mission to increase awareness of nature amongst young children and make it more accessible to them by getting more trees into schools. Follow this link to see how you can help.
Get children involved Let's get the next generation inspired and help them to see the benefits of trees. Get them involved in planting, help them to learn about native trees and which trees are most common in your area, help them to learn how to tell the difference between them. Get them to look out for the all the wildlife that are supported by trees.
What should I plant?
Different trees have different needs and benefits. Likewise, you need to consider your reason for planting. Are you looking to attract more wildlife, create an impact, provide a pallet of autumn colours, or perhaps you would like to create an orchard? Are you keen to plant a native tree or looking for more of an ornamental standard?
There are lots of considerations when choosing a tree but the best place to start is what you hope to achieve with your tree planting. Once you've decided that, you can then consider your budget and skills to work out the best size of tree to buy and whether you will require additional help. Also be sure to take a look around your local area to see what grows well there and to consider your soil and aspect to ensure the tree will thrive. Most trees will grow well in a range of situations and soil types but some will be better suited than others to your particular environment.
Also important is to consider how will you look after the tree in the all-important first few years after planting.
For more help as to what to plant, have a look through our website or get in touch and we will be happy to help.
When should you plant your trees?
It's no coincidence that National Tree Week is at the end of November which marks the start of the tree planting season. Bare root trees are readily available at this time of year and the trees are generally more accepting of being lifted and moved during this time. The ground is moist and allows the roots the best chance to establish before the spring when their leaves will start to grow.
To learn more about planting trees, call the team on 01404 8122229 or email us at contact@bowhayestrees.co.uk.