Tree planting

Planting trees helps make our district a greener and healthier place to live. Improving biodiversity, creating new habitats for wildlife. And helping to reduce the risk of flooding.

Free tree giveaway

In February 2026, we gave away 10,000 free trees to residents, schools, farms, and community groups. To support the return of healthy hedgerows across the district. This means we have now given away a total of 30,000 trees.

This was made possible with help from The Woodland Trust and funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The trees were all native species and were chosen to benefit wildlife. They included, Hazel, Birch, Dogwood and Wild Cherry.

In 2025, we also planted 11,690 trees with the help of 280 volunteers across 28 days at Walton Colliery. Part of a new 5.3-hectare woodland at the heart of the White Rose Forest.

Tips and advice

A little care when you plant your tree will give it the best chance to grow and thrive.

How to plant your tree

Find a place where your tree will have enough room to grow. Think about how big it may become. Avoid planting too close to buildings, paths or other trees.
Dig a hole. Make sure it is wide enough for the roots to spread out. Do not plant it too deeply.
Place the tree in the hole. Gently spread out the roots if needed.
Fill the hole. Put the soil back around the roots. Avoid pressing it down too hard.
Adding a layer of mulch, like woodchip, can help the soil hold water and reduce weeds. Remember to leave a small gap around the tree trunk.

Looking after your tree

Your tree will need some care while its roots start growing.

Young trees need regular water, especially during dry and warm weather.
Remember to remove grass and weeds growing close to the tree. They can compete with your tree for water.
Check the mulch. Top it up if needed but keep mulch away from the trunk.
Give it time. Your tree may look small now, but with the right care it can grow and provide benefits for people and wildlife for many years.

Find out more

Visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ to find more information about tree planting.

To volunteer as a tree warden visit: https://treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens/.

Our woodland creation programme

The Council is part of the White Rose Forest partnership. Creating more woodland and helping nature thrive across West and North Yorkshire.

It is also part of the Northern Forest. Part of a larger programme to plant 50 million new trees from Merseyside to Yorkshire.

When fully grown, each tree will capture a tonne of carbon. They’ll also help prevent flooding and create new habitats for wildlife.