plantatree FAQ

What happens at the planting event?

Members of the National Forest Company (NFC) team and forestry commission staff will be on hand to greet you and help make your day a memorable one. After choosing your tree, you'll be guided to the planting area, where you can choose where to plant your tree at your leisure. You may wish to bring your camera along to record the event.

Who gets invited to the planting?

Anyone who has purchased or who is a recipient of a plant a tree will be invited to the event. Family and friends are also welcome to come along and take part, though we do encourage car-sharing where possible.

When and where will the planting event be held?

There are usually 2 planting events held during the tree planting season, one in November and one in March. These generally take place on a saturday or sunday, notice will be given of these dates. The site will be chosen well before the planting event takes place and details will be sent to you nearer the time. The site will be part of a larger scheme that in turn will form part of the woodland mosaic being created within the national forest.

What if I am unable to attend either of those dates?

Someone else could come along and plant the tree on your behalf, or a member of the NFC team would be more than happy to plant it for you.

What type of tree will I be planting, and where can I plant?

The trees will be 2 year old, 40- 60cms transplants. This is the size conventionally supplied by forest nurseries for woodland planting schemes as they transplant most successfully. Native broadleaves that are indigenous to the area will be planted, usually oak, ash or birch.

Is the planting site accessible?

We aim, as far as possible, to ensure that our sites are accessible. The designated planting site will be accessible by footpaths, permissive routes, and, where possible, informal parking will be available. If you need more information or have special access requirements, please let us know.

What do I need to bring/wear to the planting?

Good strong footwear (wellingtons/walking boots) and warm/waterproof clothing is recommended. You may also want to bring along a camera. It would be appreciated if you could bring a spade, if possible, as we only have a limited number available on site, and plenty of energy!

Will I have to dig the hole for the tree/will someone be able to help me plant my tree?

A member of the NFC staff will be there to help you or to do it for you. A family member, friend or a member of the nfc team can plant your tree on your behalf.

Can I mark the tree in some way eg by a tag or plaque, or placing a rock alongside?

We encourage you to view the planting of a tree as a symbolic act in itself. Once planted, we hope you will consider the tree to be part of a growing woodland, rather than an individual tree. Labels, plaques and other physical markers detract from the appeal of a natural wood and raise issues about who will maintain/remove the labels when they start to look shabby. It is for these reasons that we do not permit the labelling of trees, installation of plaques or other permanent markers. Remember everyone who plants a tree receives a personalised certificate.

Would it be possible to scatter the ashes of a loved one at the base of the tree?

This is at the discretion of the owner of the site. We do ask you to take into consideration the nature of the site, and that other people will be planting on the site at the same time. You must also take into account that permanent markers are not used on the trees even if ashes have been scattered. Please speak to someone at the national forest company if you are considering this.

Can I plant flowers or bulbs at the base of my tree?

We do not encourage this, primarily because the young trees will need to be weeded for the first 3 years. This entails the spraying off of all vegetation from around the base of the tree to allow unhindered growth. There are also issues regarding the woodland ecology; many flower species will be inappropriate in a native wood.

Can I bring my own tree grown at home?

Not to a plant a tree event. However we do encourage people to grow trees from seeds and separate planting events are held for this. For information contact the National Forest office on 01283 551211.

Can I revisit the wood in the future to see my tree or check on its progress?

You may visit the site where your tree is planted at any time; the sites chosen for the planting have full, informal public access (please note that some sites may only be open from dawn till dusk).

Why are the trees planted so close and why are the trees planted in rows?

Forest trees are conventionally planted at 2-3-metre spacing. This may appear close but it helps to draw the trees up, encouraging straight, upright growth rather than squat, branchy trees. It also means that the trees will soon close together, suppressing the weed growth. Newly planted trees cannot be left to their own devices. They need be maintained until properly established. The trees are planted in rows to aid with the maintenance programme.

What will happen to the trees after the planting event?

The trees will be maintained as part of an overall maintenance programme for the young wood of which they form a part. For the first 3 - 4 years the trees will be sprayed twice a year to reduce competition from grass and weeds. The grass between the rows of trees will be mown occasionally to keep it under control.

Will the trees ever be cut down?

When the trees are approximately 20 years old some of the trees within the wood will need to be thinned out in order to allow space for those remaining to develop. A wood is a long-lived organic thing, which will constantly change, evolve and develop over the years. The wood itself as a whole will continue to be woodland but as any mature trees are felled they will be replaced.

What happens if the tree that I planted dies?

We normally expect some losses (maybe 5%). These will always be replaced the following winter. This is another reason why individual trees are not marked. Although it is guaranteed that a dead tree will be replaced it could be distressing should a visitor identify ‘their’ tree as having died.

Are refreshments provided at the event?

Sometimes we're able to provide light refreshments, though you are more than welcome to bring your own.

What can we do after we've planted our tree?

Why not spend the rest of your day sampling some of the many attractions and sites to visit within the National Forest? Check them out on our website www.nationalforest.org under ’visit & explore‛ section, or request a copy of our attractions guide, or if you wish to stay overnight, our visitor guide.

Is there any formal recognition that I have planted a tree in the National Forest?

The recipient of the tree receives a personalised certificate.