Merton Council is planting 500 new trees as part of its ongoing efforts to increase the borough’s tree canopy, while replacing felled trees and filling empty tree pits.
The tree planting season, which runs from autumn and winter 2024 to spring 2025, will see various species of trees planted around Merton.
Increased tree canopy helps to provide shade for streets, residential areas and parks, cooling the environment and improving air quality, particularly during warmer, drier periods. This reduces the urban heat island effect, creating a more climate resilient borough.
This planting programme is a key element of Merton’s Tree Strategy, contributing to enhanced climate resilience and increased canopy cover, particularly in wards where tree canopy is lower.
The tree planting programme this year represents a significant increase, where approximately 250 trees were added to Merton’s green spaces and parks last planting season, along with our milestone of 10,000 trees that we planted over 12 months in 2022/2023 – marking a step forward in the Council’s commitment to increasing Merton’s tree coverage.
Merton Council is also using a data-driven approach to urban tree management. Every tree owned by the Council is monitored and maintained under a three-year rolling programme, ensuring a healthy and sustainable tree population.
In its efforts to manage trees responsibly, the Council is prioritising tree preservation and makes every effort to avoid felling trees. Alternative solutions such as pruning or relocating trees are explored wherever possible. Residents are urged to take care to avoid damaging street trees, as harm from vehicles or vandalism not only impacts the trees but incurs significant costs for the borough.
Merton is also participating in Trees for Streets, an initiative that allows residents to sponsor trees in a location of their choice. These trees will be planted in parks and streets, with the community playing an active role in the care and upkeep of their local green spaces.
Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change said:
Increasing the number of trees in Merton is vital to ensuring our borough remains green and sustainable, particularly in the face of climate challenges.
We’re not just planting trees; we’re ensuring that they are resilient to disease and drought and will thrive for generations to come.”
The 500 trees being planted this season are a key part of Merton’s long-term commitment to ensuring a greener, more sustainable future.
For more information on Merton’s Tree Strategy, our map of trees being planted, visit: Merton Council’s tree planting webpage.