FAQ's
Please see our frequently asked questions that our TCAP can answer
How much space will we need? Is there funding?
There are no minimum or maximum guideline amounts for tree planting. You may have a vision to create a small woodland or it may be that you would like to plant a few fruit trees to produce a community orchard. However, we base our advice and options on the current available grants. Most funding bodies will have their own inclusion or exclusion criteria but do tell us about your project so that we can discuss what options are available to you.
Can you help if I already have the funds?
Some people already have the funds and in these situations we can still help by offering advice and support with what types of trees might be most suitable for your planting area. We can also assist you to find where to buy trees, hedging plants, fencing, stakes, and guards and talk you through the process of planting a tree. Our overall goal is to help you through your planting project so that the trees survive as long as possible. To help you identify the most suitable types of trees for your area we will show you how to make the best use of different resources including data from Forestry England.
Will we get training?
The TCAP partnership can and does offer training and support as part of our community and volunteer planting opportunities. Your team of volunteers can plant directly into your chosen area or choose to get some training with the Heart of England Forest during their yearly winter planting sessions.
Is it hard work?
Tree planting season is usually during the colder months of the year (November - March) when the trees are dormant. Planting when they are dormant (not growing) means that the trees are less prone to shock when they are being replanted which gives them a greater chance of success. Since the weather and ground can be cold, wet, slippy, or frozen at these times of year, you will need to ensure you wear suitable outdoor clothing. The activity is physically demanding too as you need to carry equipment like spades, dig holes, and repeatedly bend down to plant the trees. It is however, very rewarding!
Who will provide the tools?
Depending on your activity and engagement with the TCAP team this will change how you can access tools. Certain grants are available that will help communities to plant their own trees and the funding can cover the equipment that you need to plant trees. However, if you want to volunteer with planting events that our project is participating in, then it may be possible for us to provide some tools through the Heart of England Forest.
How will we get funding to buy trees?
There are many funding options available and the TCAP team can help point you in
the right direction and provide guidance on how to apply for grants. The first step is to let us know that you'd like to plant and we can then meet to discuss what options are available to you.
the right direction and provide guidance on how to apply for grants. The first step is to let us know that you'd like to plant and we can then meet to discuss what options are available to you.
Do we need permission to plant trees?
You will not need permission to plant on community land as long as the area is below two hectares in size. We can help you work this out with the mapping software that we use if you are not sure.
What are the benefits?
Planting trees, woodland, and hedges builds community spirit, contributes to cleaner air (benefitting our health), reduces water pollution, creates homes for wildlife, increases biodiversity which will help create a more resilient environment. It also creates opportunities for environmental education and jobs, helps to reduce standing water, reduces the impact of flooding, creates a beautiful environment for us to look at which positively affects our mood and mental health whilst giving us more outdoor locations to enjoy for recreation. The impacts can keep on going but this list helps highlight a few key benefits.
How will we look after them? What maintenance will they require?
There are some responsibilities that you will need to keep on top of in order to ensure your trees thrive and survive (especially during very warm, dry summers or other extreme weather conditions). Usually people enjoy carrying out these tasks and it can act as a community event to bring people together outside. We can help you to create a maintenance calendar of activities for trees or hedges that you plant. Activities can include weeding, watering, mowing, pruning, checking or removing tree guards, and monitoring for pests.
Where can we source trees from?
There are several tree nurseries across the UK and we have created a list of tree suppliers that we can send on request. The Woodland Trust have several tree packs that are available for delivery. Your community may also be eligible for a free tree pack from The Woodland Trust.
We've heard of a supplier or grant that isn't on your list!
Our team is signed up to email alerts and news from most major funding sources but grant opportunities and suppliers often change. If you have heard of tree-planting support that we haven't yet included we would love to hear about them. Please contact us and let us know.
Establishing trees in their early years
Removing competition from around the base of the trees is really important to give the trees a good head start. Herbicide applied annually for the first 3-4 years is one method of doing this. The other options available to you would be mulch mats, you can get biodegradable ones, unfortunately these are usually pinned down with plastic pegs which will need removing at some stage. Another option would be to use mulch, someone in your parish will know a friendly tree surgeon, who hopefully would be happy to drop off some wood chip for you. You will need to top this up every year though. This has the added bonus of retaining moisture during dry spells. Ensure you don’t pile it up against the tree though!
