Planting trees and shrubs

Materials

Buy plants from a reputable supplier such as the Woodland trust or a local nursery.
Choose a variety native species which flower at various stages of the year, providing year-round food and shelter for birds and insects.
Select species suitable for the conditions in your school grounds (get an idea of what will work by seeing what looks healthy in your neighbourhood).
If possible, plant a locally grown specimen which will be adapted to growing in your area.
Possible species include: hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), elder (Sambucus nigra), hazel (Corylus avellana), holly (Ilex aquifolium), witch hazel ( Hamamelis spp.), silver birch (Betula pendula), whitebeam (Sorbus aria), crab apple (Malus sylvestris), Goat willow (Salix caprea). If you are unsure, seek advice from local conservation groups such as the Wildlife Trust.

Indicative Costs

Variable, from around £10 for a single sapling. Suppliers like the Woodland Trust offer a range of cost effective options for purchasing multiple plants/tree guards etc. from around £30 to £60.
You may be able to get a grant to help fund your planting.

Method

Plant shrubs/trees between October and April, but avoid waterlogged or frozen ground.
Keep the base of plants free from weeds until established (use a thick mulch of leaf mould or compost)
New shrubs/trees need enough room to develop, but it is useful to create connections to existing areas of planting.

Benefits

Provide habitat for birds, insects, hedgehogs and bats. New trees can create shade for human’s too!

Maintenance

Plant and leaf-litter provide places for invertebrates to overwinter, so leave any tidying up until Spring.
Leave some non-diseased shrub prunings around the base of shrubs.
If clearing fallen leaves from the grass, place some directly under shrubs and in borders.
Use mulch to reduce the need for weeding during the first couple of years while plants are establishing. This will also help retain soil moisture.
Prune shrubs that need it after a few years.
Avoid using chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Useful links