Tree planting
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Trees planted so far.
Photo by David Vig, Unsplash
Since March 2020, The Hanleys’ Environmental Group has been instrumental in planting 9271 samplings - Trees and Hedging. (Over 10,000 if you include samplings that we have not supplied, just help to plant). The species have included Oak, Field Maple, Rowan, Goat Willow, Hornbeam, Hazel, Alder, Cherry, Silver Birch, Copper Beech, Hawthorn, Scots Pine.....
Quantities given vary from a single sampling to an individual homeowner to 500 for a farmer.
The only requirement for receiving the samplings is that they are planted, nurtured and allowed to grow for as many years as possible. Not all the samplings will have survived, but that is still a lot of trees that will capture carbon for many years to come.
If you would like to donate or plant any samplings please get in touch at carbonhanley@gmail.com
Planting a tree is one of the most generous things we can do for the next generation, but never more so than now, as trees play a huge role in locking up carbon as well as helping to prevent flooding, reduce pollution and keep us cool. According to The Woodland Trust, we currently have only 13% woodland cover in the UK and this needs to increase to at least 17% if we are to reach our 2050 target to become carbon net zero.
We are always looking for sites in which to carry out large-scale planting to create new woodland, so if you have land you'd like to have planted up, please let us know. We will supply the trees and the people to plant them. All of us who have gardens or community spaces can also plant trees, and if you would like one or just a few, please get in touch.
Volunteers planting whips.
Right Tree, Right Place - Guidance on Choosing Trees
The Woodland Trust recommends that we plant native trees in order to ensure that our woodlands are genetically diverse and able to better withstand pests, diseases and the effects of climate change. There is a long list of native trees to choose from, but choosing one suitable for the site is key to its long-term survival. Here are some tips when choosing a tree for your site:
Ultimate size
Trees are described as ‘Small’ (5-10m high), ‘Medium’ (10-20m high) and ‘Large’ (20m+ high). Different trees grow at different rates so some trees can take 50 years to reach maturity, whereas others get there a lot quicker. How big a tree can your garden cope with?
Ultimate Spread
Consider how wide the tree will become. Upright (‘fastigiate’) trees take up less room and can be useful for small spaces but others need room to spread.
Soil, Moisture, and Aspect
Next, you must match the tree with the growing conditions of your site. For example, a beech tree likes a garden with chalky soil and will struggle in one with light sandy soil. Very wet, dry or exposed sites also require careful selection, as do acid soils. Fortunately, there is a tree for almost every situation.
Evergreen or deciduous
Most native trees are deciduous and tend to have a looser shape than evergreen trees, especially in summer, and let more light through in winter once they have lost their leaves. Interest varies from season to season through the production of flowers, berries, seed pods, fruits, nuts or cones.
Shape and Leaf Colour
Trees come in all shapes – columnar, upright, conical, domed, rounded and weeping. Leaf shape and colour also have to be considered – for example, golden foliage warms up a garden even on dull days, silver and grey leaves reflect the light and give a Mediterranean feel, while purple foliage absorbs light and can feel dull unless positioned carefully as a foil for lighter plants.
Whichever tree you choose, you will need to look after it in its early years. Ideally:
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Plant at the right time of year: between November and March is ideal for bare-root plants.
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Plant into a square-shaped hole (to encourage the roots to spread out).
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Improve poor soil.
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Tease out the roots.
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Use mycorrhizal fungi.
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Mulch after planting.
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Water well in the first year, especially during dry spells.