As we walk around our local streets and parks there is evidence of the way in which some of the trees have become diseased and died and some, have just died of old age. Residents are rightly upset when they witness the tree being felled, the branches being fed into a grinding machine, and a stump being the only evidence left behind. Streets look empty, devoid of colour and wildlife.
However, help is at hand but it does require our Labour Council to bid for grants to replace these diseased trees and help in maintaining them as they become established in their new surroundings.
The Government have been aware of the way in which some of the trees in our streets and forests need to be replaced. It is an expensive exercise selecting the appropriate tree, organising planting and funding the early years of growth through a maintenance budget.
In May 2021, The England Tree Action Plan was published which aims to treble tree planting by the end of the current Parliament, funded by more than £500 million of climate finance. This aims to help finance the planting of new trees in our local communities and also help with the colonisation of forests.
Local Authorities have been asked to bid for grants to assist in meeting the cost planting and maintenance of trees. Round 4 of the bidding was recently opened for local authorities to bid for the Local Authority Treescapes Fund, (LATF ) The money offered through the bidding process will help Sefton Council provide small and large trees for our community. Local Authorities are encouraged to work with schools, other organisations, grass root organisations, community groups, NGOs and private individuals to deliver tree planting. Many of us will have already seen evidence of this funding as we walk along the roadside and the funding process is set to continue over the next 3 years.
When election time comes around and we receive leaflets and Facebook pictures of Labour Councillors getting photo opportunities, planting trees alongside school pupils and volunteers, the money has come from the Conservative Government.
As you walk along the pavements in your area take a look at the new trees that have been planted. Many will have wooden stakes to provide additional support , some will have some small green bags positioned at the base of the tree trunk The bag releases water slowly through tiny perforations, so it keeps the root ball evenly moist while the tree settles in, helping to prevent transplant shock and drought stress. Most tree bags hold 20 gallons (75 litres) of water, enough for a typical young tree.
Some trees may have a small black plastic pipe on the surface of the soil, through which water can distributed to the root ball. Some of our local residents have been helping the trees during the hot, dry spells by watering the root ball through these pipes, and helping the trees establish themselves.
These trees will take time to become established and have to be looked after by us all. They can easily be damaged by vandals, hit by motorists or delivery vehicles. It is up to us all to take an interest in their survival and realise the important part they play not only in enhancing the look of our neighbourhoods but also it’s clear that trees provide wonderful benefits for both humans and the natural environment. Trees are the lungs of our towns and cities. They’re the homes for our wildlife. They’re our guardians against flooding. Trees are vital to so many aspects of our life.
