News from: Reading Borough Council
Residents can now help to make Reading greener by sponsoring the planting of a tree in the street of their choice. Reading Borough Council has teamed up with charitable enterprise Trees for Streets to work with residents either individually or in a group, so anyone can apply to have a tree planted on their behalf as close as possible to their chosen location.
The initiative comes in response to frequent requests from people wanting trees planted near where they live. The Council hopes it will be welcomed by residents, especially those who don’t have their own garden.
The one-off fee to sponsor a tree is £395, or £295 if the residents commit to watering the tree.
The process is simple:
1. Visit www.treesforstreets.org/reading to request a location for a new tree, answer a few simple questions, and submit your sponsorship details.
2. The Council will survey the location to check for suitability.
3. If acceptable, an ‘instant-impact’ tree (normally 5-7 years old and 3-4 metres high) will be planted, during the November to April planting season.
Since the Tree Strategy was published in 2021, Reading Borough Council has been on a positive drive forward to achieve the planting of 3,000 trees on Council land by 2030. This is part of an ongoing commitment to increase tree canopy cover and make Reading greener.
Reading’s Tree Strategy, adopted in 2021, sits alongside the Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy and plays an important role in responding to the climate crisis. The Council is aiming to achieve overall canopy cover of at least 25% across the borough and at least 12% in each ward. It is particularly keen to plant trees in Abbey, Katesgrove, Whitley and Battle wards, where canopy cover is below the target.
Trees help to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, as the Council works towards achieving net zero carbon by 2030. Street trees act as natural air conditioners, providing shade on hot days and cooling the air through a process called evapotranspiration, helping to combat rising summer temperatures. They also protect from flooding, as their roots absorb huge amounts of water, and their leaves and branches collect rainwater as it falls.
Trees tackle noise and air pollution and improve wildlife habitats, as well as greatly improving the character and colour of the town, making neighbourhoods greener, more attractive and more welcoming.
They offer many benefits for health and wellbeing too, making people feel better, encouraging exercise, and bringing communities together.
The Council is delighted to have this new opportunity to work alongside communities to improve the town through this initiative.
To sponsor a tree or for more information, visit www.treesforstreets.org/reading