Spring is in the air, the sap is rising and The Tree Council is taking the opportunity to remind people across the UK that the trees they love and cherish need some TLC. The annual Tree Care Campaign runs from the 21st of March to the 21st of September and supports communities to improve their neighbourhoods through joining or organising tree care activities.
This year’s campaign theme, ‘Grow Together’, aims to encourages social cohesion through tree care related activities, inviting everyone to organise their own events, involving friends and neighbours, promoting the importance of tree care while also proving that everyone has the ability to make a difference.
More than 90% of the population lives in towns and cities* so the trees are our neighbours as much as other people in our communities. We are used to enjoying trees in gardens and in parks but without proper care and protection, their survival can be at risk. The Tree Care Campaign aims to remind everyone that there are trees close to where they live, work or spend their free time and encourage communities to think local to improve their neighbourhoods for both people and trees.
Simple tree care tasks, such as clearing weeds, mulching and checking ties can save young trees from dying and allow them to develop into mature trees that enhance our urban and rural landscape, provide shade, support biodiversity and even help combat climate change.
“It’s not just young or recently planted trees that need our help. If you have a tree that is starting to get old, you can boost its health by giving it a good thick mulch of about four to six inches deep. Spread it about a metre beyond the canopy if you can. It will add nutrients to the soil and improve the root condition.” said Pauline Buchanan Black, Director-General of The Tree Council. “Mulch will also trap all the winter rain, stop weed germination and give your tree a good start to the growing season. If you know any poorly trees, or even healthy ones, go and give them some TLC now.”
The Tree Council has free resources to help individuals and communities care for and celebrate their local trees during the Tree Care Campaign, available to download from the charity’s website. Everyone also has the opportunity to list their own events or find activities to take part in. No-one should attempt tree care activities without the express permission of the tree owner.
*2010 Defra statistics http://bit.ly/1qgYMMG
