A housing provider has launched its first ever tree replacement and maintenance programme.
Platform Housing Group – one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands – will deliver the programme across its geographical area, on land where trees are felled when they are dead, dying or diseased.
The initiative aims to ensure that every tree that is cut down is replaced.
Nicola Chamberlain, Head of Estate Services at Platform Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this new programme; as guardians of our public open spaces and the flora and fauna within our communities, we feel that it is our duty to do what we can to tackle the climate emergency and provide much needed habitat for local wildlife.”
A total of 78 locations – in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire as well as Birmingham and Leicester – are on the team’s replacement list where trees have been felled. The work – which will cost around £14,000 to complete – will include the purchase of new high quality trees, takes and tagging, along with labour costs.
Where possible, the replacement trees will be planted in similar places to where the original trees were located, with tree species recommended by the social landlord’s in-house arboriculture surveyor and specialist suppliers. Species will include ornamental cherries, pyracanthas, silver birches and magnolias.
Nicola concluded: “We will only fell trees if there is no other alternative and all options to save the tree have been exhausted. Trees are essential for people, wildlife and the environment; we are pleased to be able to contribute in some small way to help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.”
