Choosing the right tree for the site

At the site level it is important to choose the right tree and plant species for the location.

Stephen McLaren

Factors to consider include:

• the historic and landscape context
• climate projections for an area
• native species to promote biodiversity
• fruit and nut trees to promote local food
• trees that demand less water where shrink-swell soils may be an issue
• drought-tolerant species if irrigation cannot be sustainably supplied
• shade-casting species.

Existing trees should be protected and overall tree cover increased. It is particularly important to incorporate larger growing trees species such as the London plane, which confer the greatest benefits on urban spaces.

The Trees and Design Action Group has produced guidance, No Trees No Future, which provides practical advice for integrating trees into new building schemes and qualitative advice on the reasons why large species trees should be used wherever possible. The Group has produced case studies showing how trees have been successfully integrated into different types of housing development. The Tree Council has also produced guidance on tree planting and practice. Meanwhile the Greater London Authority and the Forestry Commission have developed a web-based database, Right Trees for a Changing Climate, to help planners, landscape designers, developers and other professionals decide on suitable tree species for London’s changing climate.

There is other tree-related advice on this website about developing a tree strategy and managing urban trees.
 

Priority: integrate green infrastructure into urban areas
Tags: green infrastructure, buildings and spaces