Hillingdon Council, in collaboration with the national charity Trees for Streets, is encouraging residents to consider sponsoring a tree for their road ahead of the winter planting season.
Through this ongoing partnership, residents can apply to have a tree planted outside their homes or in local schools, parks, or green spaces – the initiative is also available in Harrow.
Residents have the option to collectively fund a tree or utilise Trees for Streets’ crowd-funding feature, enabling local groups to pool resources for planting multiple trees. Additionally, residents can sponsor a ‘celebration’ tree to mark special occasions, planted in one of the borough’s parks or green spaces.
Applications for this year’s planting window must be submitted before the closing date on 4 December 2023.
Helena Wright and Adrian Fenton got a cherry tree planted outside their home in Ruislip in February, this year. Helena said: “When we moved to the area we were keen to have more trees outside our new house for shade, clean air and to have a greener view from our windows.
“I would definitely recommend Trees for Streets to other people. We really need more trees across the country help bring down the temperatures, stop flooding and pollution and address climate change. Plus, in a few years it will look great.
“We have lived in Hillingdon for a year and a half and it is great to see so many young trees being planted in the area.”
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We’re committed to creating a green and sustainable borough and brilliant schemes like this one help residents to play their part too.
“The benefits of trees to local streets are multiple, providing shade, absorbing pollution while providing oxygen, creating homes for wildlife and greenery is also proven to have mental health benefits.
“We already have a pleasing number of sponsorships lined up for the winter planting season but don’t want anybody to miss out, so please keep them coming in.”
During the previous planting season (2022/23), over 135 trees were planted across the borough, featuring popular species such as lime, maple, birch, and cherry.
Residents interested in sponsoring a tree or learning more about the scheme can visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/sponsor-a-tree for further information.
