Resources
Being a TreeGuerrilla isn’t an exact science; there’s no guidebook. So, we’ve set out some guidance below, with links to further advice and resources.
Before you get out there and start planting, consider the type of trees you’re going to plant and where you’re going to plant them. It won’t take long, but it’ll be worth it to make your trees a success.
We’re guerrillas, but we’re responsble guerrillas.
Explainer: How do trees store carbon dioxide
01
Sourcing Trees
You’re going to need some trees. However you get them, a mix of broadleaf native trees is recommended. A wide variety makes them more resilient and improves biodiversity. Take a look around where you aim to plant, decide which species are thriving and add to them.
Buying Trees
There are lots of places selling trees, including online stores and local nurseries. Make sure your trees have been sourced and grown in the UK. This avoids the risk of importing pests and diseases.
The Woodland Trust shop is a good place to buy trees. They also have list of nurseries that follow their UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown Assurance Scheme (UKISG).
Think about transporting your trees too. Saplings are easy and discrete to carry, and quick to plant.
Growing Seeds
Growing from seed is much cheaper than buying saplings and young trees. In fact, it’s can be done for free if you collect seeds from your local trees.
Growing trees from seed needs very little equipment, but it does require some patience waiting for your trees to be ready to plant.
The Tree Council have some great step-by-step advice on growing trees from seed, including factsheets for specific species.
02
Where to Plant
Where you plant your trees is as important as what you plant. Make sure your trees compliment any existing species. You might also need to think about getting permission to plant.
How to choose a place to plant
If a tree is grow to its full potential and live a long, productive life, it needs to be planted in the right place.
Think about its eventual size and if this might affect what’s nearby (neighbours), what’s above (power lines) and even what’s below (sewers and cables).
Look to compliment the exisiting local species with a mix of broadleaf deciduous varieties, and make sure your trees are no closer than two metres to each other.
Places to avoid include:
- archaeological sites
- sites with rare/protected species
- grassland that’s never been ploughed
- wetlands
- heathland
The Woodland Trust have further useful advice to help you select the best spot.
This Land is Your Land
There’s roughly an acre of land for everyone living in the UK. That’s a lot of space to plant trees you might think.
However, in England and Wales, just 10 per cent of land is open-access; the rest remains off-limits to the public.
Where land ownership is known, you can ask for permission. If permission is declined, move on.
In the UK, it can be very difficult to establish who owns a piece of land. What if a landowner can’t be found? Use your discretion, alongside the good practices signposted throughout this site, and be a responsible TreeGuerrilla.
03
Planting Tips
This is the fun bit – dig a hole and put your tree in. This will work, but there are some extra steps you can take to make sure your tree has the best start.
Get Planting
You’re going to need to dig a hole, maybe only a small one if you’re planting saplings.
If you’re planting discretely, you’ll have to dispense with any artifical supports, such as plastic tree spirals. Grab a nearby stick to use as a support instead. Firm down the soil and make sure the roots are covered. If you live nearby, make an occasional visit to check on the progress of your trees. They might needs some help at first, and a few of them might not make it. Don’t let this dampen your TreeGuerrilla spirits.
And don’t forget to use the #TreeGuerrillas tag to share your planting stories.
The Woodland Trust have a guide to succesful planting.