Getting started with your tree order

Congratulations on taking the first step towards increased tree canopy cover on your NHS site! 

Now you have submitted an expression of interest, here’s a brief outline of the next steps.

• The NHS Forest team will review and, in most instances, approve your tree request within a few days of receiving it. We like to say YES!
• However if you have asked for a lot of trees or the specifics of your request are unusual, we might get in touch by phone or email to confirm or discuss the order with you. Please check your junk folder and move any communications from NHS Forest to your main inbox so you don’t miss out on anything.
• Once we have approved your request you will receive an automated email from NHS Forest with a link to our website. This will include your personalised planting agreement. You will need to sign this to progress the order.
• We will also ask you to provide a few extra details relating to delivery, and to specify exactly where the trees will be planted (we need a grid reference, a basic map, and site photo/s of the planting location/s). You can find out more about this by visiting our sharing evidence page.
• The tree planting season runs from early November through to the end of March, and NHS Forest will be in touch again well ahead of time to agree a convenient date for delivery. We will do our best to fit around your plans. Don’t worry, the trees won’t turn up without prior notice.
• This is a good time to think about how you are planning on planting your trees. We have a quick guide to organising a planting day that is a good place to start. The Digital Tree Pack is also full of useful things to help you plan a tree planting event. If you need help sourcing volunteers, please get in touch – info@nhsforest.org
• The tree order will be delivered to site, and you are ready to plant!

Should you have any questions at this stage or if you would like to discuss any detail of your tree request, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We also have a bunch of useful resources available elsewhere on the NHS Forest website:

• Our Tree Planting Guidance Pack – everything you need to know about tree planting
• Guide to Tree Maintenance – everything you need to know to help the trees survive and thrive
• Frequently Asked Questions – things we get asked all the time

If you have a specific question or can’t find the answer online, you can use the contact us form – or email info@nhsforest.org