Free trees?

Deep_Ocean

I was wondering if anybody is aware of any “Free Tree Schemes”? My home backs onto an open field and when I walk my dog over the field I just think how nice it would be if there were a few trees planted over there. It would offer more character and be great for wildlife and the environment. It would give the area a bit more appeal and would offer additional security for the homes which back onto the field. I have stumbled across a few ‘Trusts’ which sell trees for between £5-£10, but was wondering if I could get hold of any for free. They would have to deliver or be collected from the West Midlands area.

Mojisola

Who owns the land? Would they want you to plant trees on their land?

Deep_Ocean

It is public land protected for wildlife. I am certain it wouldn't cause any problems to plant a few trees. I planted some apple pips last year in some plant pots, when they are big enough I will plant them in the field. It is a shame it is not properly looked after. If the council do not take action regarding the children throwing shopping trolleys into the pond and riding their scooters and mopeds over the field, I am sure there won't be any issues in me planting a few trees. Dave Cam suggests a big society where we all take responsibility for our own communities. The field has so much potential and I often see woodpeckers and herons, it is also a flight path for bats. It is a luxury to have it on my doorstep, I just wish that it was maintained properly. There are a couple of gents in their 80's-90's who stroll over the field picking litter up but the younger generation such as my generation should do things as well.

But, it appears that I am unable to find any free trees to plant

Mojisola

Good on you for taking an interest.

Have you talked to the council about the area?

If you have a Wildlife Trust in your town, try involving them. They may have money available for buying trees or can get grants to improve wildlife areas.

ladydisco

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/take-part/plant-trees/Pages/free-tree-pack-resources.aspx

http://www.treeappeal.com/s_Schools.html

and diy cuttings make growing trees alot quicker !

http://www.ehow.com/how_2106634_grow-trees-from-cuttings.html

ladydisco

http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens/scheme-details/how-to-be-a-tree-warden

this may be useful too !

zeupater

Hi

As others have advised, you would be better to contact the council/landowner on this & talk it through with them.

I know of some public land where 'improvements' were made by planting trees which were maturing quite well .... that's until someone with a landscape planting plan performed a periodic audit and had everything which wasn't on it cleared and chipped ...... 'not my job mate, I just do what I'm told. Ring this number if you have any concerns' ....... buzzzzzzzzz ......... timberrrrrrr ....... buzzzzzz ........ plan reinstated and a pile of woodchips appears within a day, so no time to complain.

HTH
Z

Errata

If the council do not take action regarding the children throwing shopping trolleys into the pond and riding their scooters and mopeds over the field, I am sure there won't be any issues in me planting a few trees.

If this is what's happening in the field, I suspect any trees you plant won't last five minutes before they get trashed. Have you thought about planting a wild life friendly hedge on your boundary?

pinkcandyflossprincess

Whereabout in the west mids are you?
was just thinking about local schemes they have running here that may help you get your idea off the ground?
we have an area near us that is being slowly " improved" sadly they have chopped down a huge area of chesnut trees to make way for what looks like a massive pond, icant say i was happy to see that although the rest of the work they have done has improved the area and they thankfully have left the rest of area untouched apart from building paths.

Deep_Ocean

Errata wrote: »

If this is what's happening in the field, I suspect any trees you plant won't last five minutes before they get trashed. Have you thought about planting a wild life friendly hedge on your boundary?

I would consider this as well but am not prepared to spend much money so the same problem still remains.

Deep_Ocean

pinkcandyflossprincess wrote: »

Whereabout in the west mids are you?
was just thinking about local schemes they have running here that may help you get your idea off the ground?
we have an area near us that is being slowly " improved" sadly they have chopped down a huge area of chesnut trees to make way for what looks like a massive pond, icant say i was happy to see that although the rest of the work they have done has improved the area and they thankfully have left the rest of area untouched apart from building paths.

I reside in the Dudley area of West Mids. At least they have done something to maintain your area which is a positive step.