Every tree you plant can help towards our ambitions of a tree for every person in Leicestershire.
This page of planting advice will help you find the right species, location, and time to plant.
Which species to plant
Different trees have different purposes and needs. Choose your species according to the land you have and what you want from your trees. Most trees can grow in a range of conditions, though some will prefer certain soil types. Look around your neighbourhood and see what’s thriving for an idea of what might do well.
The Woodland Trust has a FREE comprehensive guide to 31 native tree species to plant which includes soil preferences, average height, unique qualities and more. Download to discover which species are best suited to your needs:
Twigged - a guide to your trees through the seasons
The Woodland Trust also has tree planting advice you can follow. You can also watch the Woodland Trust's video on how to plant a tree for guidance:
Key Considerations pre-planting (examples):
- Purpose of planting? (wildlife, flood control, aesthetic etc)
- Ownership of proposed planting site
- UK sourced and grown trees (to reduce the risk of disease and pests)
- Native broadleaves (preferred)
- Soil and site conditions /suitability
- Quantity? Look to use a mix of native broadleaves for larger areas
- Management and maintenance long term
- Seasonality of tree planting (Nov-March)
- UK law regarding trees and protected species e.g.UK bats
- Health and Safety considerations
- Planting position, spacing, size, tree guards etc (size when mature etc)
- Existing habitat? Ensuring the right tree in the right place
Using the Local Environmental Records Centre (LERC) for project planning
The LERC is a free resource for communities, Leicestershire and Rutland Environmental Records Centre is managed by the ecology team at the council, for data searches and requests.
Using UK tree stock
Sourcing trees that have been grown from seed to sapling without ever leaving the UK is a guiding principle of the Woodland Trust and one that we at the county council also advocate. This is essential to protect our native woodlands and habitats from exotic pests and diseases from overseas.
The threat is so great that almost all the native tree species in the UK have been affected by an introduced pest or disease in the last 30 years. Once a new pest or disease species becomes established, it can rarely be completely eradicated. If millions of our native trees are lost due to imported pests and diseases, it will have a huge knock-on impact on the native wildlife that relies on trees.
One of the biggest treats to our trees and woodlands is Ash Dieback.
Biosecurity
The threat to our forests and woodlands has never been greater. Increased global trade and the movement of goods between countries means an increased risk of spreading pests and diseases, which may travel hidden in plant products, packaging, and shipping.
For more info please visit the Government page on preventing the introduction and spread of tree pests and diseases.