Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a NHS Site have to commit to plant a minimum number of trees before joining the NHS Forest Project?
- Is there a standard design of woodland?
- How many trees can be planted per hectare?
- How can roots growing under the buildings be prevented?
- What is the optimum age of trees to be planted?
- What size trees should be planted?
- What type of indigenous trees can be planted? Is there a generic nationwide/ regional list?
- What are the key facts to remember for successful planting?
- How should trees be protected from rabbits and deer?
- How should the trees be maintained?
- Where can you buy native trees to plant?
There is no minimum commitment and sites planning to plant a single tree are welcome to be part of the NHS Forest
Not really though our partners will provide advice for larger sites.
As many as you want though typical densities range from 1000 to 2500 trees per hectare.
By planting well back from buildings. As a rough rule the spread of roots is the same as the spread of a trees crown at maturity.
About 2 years. Bigger ones cost more and are harder to establish but give a more instant result.
For an ‘average’ site, the Woodland Trust recommends planting young transplants 45-60 cm or 60-80 cm tall
The Plant Your Own Wood area of the Woodland Trust website provides guidance on what species to plant. Look at what is growing well in the surrounding area.
Plant during the winter period and keep young trees free from weeds, protected from rabbits and deer, and watered during dry periods if possible. Be careful not to allow tree roots to dry out during planting.
Spiral rabbit guards wrapped around the trunk, set into the ground and supported by a cane are very successful in keeping rabbits from damaging saplings. Individual trees can be protected from deer by erecting a cage around each tree or protecting an area with deer fencing.
For the first 2-3 years the vegetation within 1m of the tree needs to be killed. Other routine maintenance may be needed.
Both the BTCV and the Woodland Trust have online tree shops where you can buy individual or packs of trees, along with reputable growers advertised in forestry journals and on the web.
