Ever since the slogan “Plant a tree in ’73” was coined there have been repeated campaigns to encourage increased woodland planting of all kinds in Britain. In the 50 years since 1973, UK tree cover has doubled to about 13% of land area, still well below the 39% European Union average.
Meanwhile the greater understanding of the vital importance of trees in capturing carbon and keeping our cities cool in the summer has made more planting a top priority for many councils and environmental groups.
But despite efforts to green our towns and countryside, the biggest single problem remains the failure to keep the newly planted saplings alive. Thousands of young trees perish each year because in the vital first few months they are not fed, watered and protected. Generally, it takes two to three years for young transplanted trees to get their roots down deep enough for them to fend for themselves.
The Irish, who have even worse tree cover at 11%, down from a once natural forest of 80%, have the same problem. Their practical solution is a new comprehensive guide to tree planting, covering every eventuality from selecting the right species, type of soil required, digging the hole and onwards to proper aftercare.
