Shropshire Council Community
Tree Scheme 2016—2017
Scheme Open:
Monday 29th August 2016
Collection Date for Trees:
Saturday 11th February
2017
Shropshire’s beautiful countryside is one
of its greatest assets and trees,
woodlands, and hedgerows make a
significant contribution to this. Equally
trees can add character and beauty to
the built environment, enhancing rural
villages and larger towns alike.
Shropshire Council recognises the many
and diverse benefits of trees and
woodlands and encourages their
appropriate planting and sustainable
management.
Our Community Tree Scheme is one way in which we support tree planting in Shropshire. It
enables parish tree wardens, schools, environmental and community groups, Parish and Town
Councils, farmers and landowners to apply for native trees and shrubs free of charge. In fact
the scheme is open to anyone who wants to plant trees in a location where they will be readily
visible to the public and enhance the landscape and character of the area.
How does it work? It couldn’t be simpler. You ask us for the trees you want using the attached
form (preferably online or by post otherwise). The scheme operates on a first come first served
basis and when our allocation of trees has been reached we will close the scheme; so early
applications stand a better chance. We will inform all successful applicants and confirm when
they can pick their trees up from their chosen collection point. (One of 5 locations around the
county—more details on the application form).
What is included? The trees that we supply are usually small bare-rooted transplants, between
20 and 90cm tall. Rabbit spirals and bamboo canes can also be included to help protect
against damage from rabbits and field voles, which could otherwise eat the foliage and gnaw
the stems of the young trees.
How many trees can I have? Due to the popularity of the scheme, there is a maximum number
of 100 trees per applicant. Although it is a 'tree' scheme, you can also apply for very short
lengths of native countryside hedging (for 'gapping up' or linking hedges and other habitats).
There is a maximum of 60 hedgerow transplants per applicant. Applications must also include
at least one tree to grow on as a ‘standard’ within the planted hedgerow.
Please note that you must be able to collect your trees on the specified collection date shown
above. (Unless local collections can be arranged through your tree warden). Full details will be
available for successful applicants nearer the time.
Shropshire Council Community Tree
Scheme 2016—2017
Completing the Application Form
You will find the application form at the back of this information pack. Please make sure that all
sections of the form are completed, otherwise we may not to able to process your application.
Most importantly, don’t forget your contact details and include the number of each type of
tree that you would like.
Are you eligible?

The trees must be planted within Shropshire Council’s boundary.

We cannot supply trees for schemes that are grant aided, or required as part of a planning condition, or presently under a planning application or similar.

The Tree Scheme is partially funded through the public purse and is intended to provide
public benefits. Trees or shrubs supplied through the scheme may therefore not be used
for commercial gain.

The trees will be planted along or visible from a roadside or footpath, or they will create a
valuable wildlife link or habitat.
Choosing Your Trees
There is a wide range of native species for you to choose from.
Overleaf is some information on each of the species that we
supply, to help you make your decision. Please ensure that when
filling out the form you put the number of trees you would like in
the boxes (not just a tick).
Planting hedging
You can also apply for up to 60 hedging transplants. We recommend a planting rate of 6 transplants per metre, planted in a double staggered row, making a total of 10m of hedge.
I don’t need that many trees or that much hedging — Can I order less?
Of course. Only plant the type and number of trees that are appropriate for the location and
space available. One good tree in the right place has got much better prospects than ten in
the wrong place!
Map or Sketch
Please don’t forget to include a map as we do require this to show us exactly where you will be
planting your trees (your application will not be valid without one). Please either mark up a map
or draw a sketch showing the location of planting. The map must be sufficiently detailed for us
to locate the trees as it may be used for future monitoring purposes e.g. show nearest road or
property etc.
Choosing your collection point
Choose the most convenient pick up point, but please note that we may have to make alternative arrangements with you if there are only a few people going to any one of the particular
collection points.
Collecting your Trees
Confirmation of your collection point and location maps will be sent to
you nearer the collection date, along with information on the time slot
you have been allocated to collect your trees.
The Trees are supplied in special heavy duty plastic tree sacks. Even if
you receive the maximum number of trees and hedgerow transplants,
they should fit easily into the boot of a car, leaving plenty of room for
the bamboo canes and spiral guards if you have requested them.
Bagging up Trees
Shropshire Council Community Tree
Scheme 2016—2017
Tree Information
Alder Size: M / L: A fast growing tree that likes damp or wet areas, but avoid waterlogged sites. Has
attractive catkins in the spring and is unusual amongst broadleaf trees in bearing its seed in cones.
Beech Size: L: A slow growing, majestic tree with good autumn colour. Tolerates shade when young
and likes most free draining soils, including calcareous.
Birch Size: M
A fast growing ‘pioneer’ species with white bark and a light canopy of diamond shaped leaves. Avoid
damp sites as they will struggle to establish. Good for urban gardens, on free draining soils.
Cherry (Bird) Size: M/L: A generally quick growing tree. Abundant panicles of white blossom in late
spring followed by black fruit. Will tolerate clay soils but avoid very wet sites.
Cherry (Wild) Size: M/L: A quick growing vigorous tree. Has a burst of pink blossom in spring and
good autumn colour. An attractive tree and birds love the fruits! Likes fertile, loamy soils.
Chestnut (Sweet) Size: L: A reasonably fast growing tree. Long-lived and often developing a characteristic spiral bark pattern. It bears masses of spiny fruit cases and has good autumn colour. Prefers
free draining dry growing sites and is a splendid parkland tree.
Crab Apple Size: S: A tree of hedgerow and woodland ‘under storey’. Has scented blossom in
spring and an inedible ‘Crab’ fruit in autumn. Good tree for wildlife and can be planted in most sites
except extremes of wet or dry.
Field Maple: Potentially a good-sized tree (up to 15m) but equally a valuable component in a hedge.
Lovely foliage especially in autumn when the leaves turn a reliable butter yellow.
Hornbeam Size: L: Unusual grey fluted bark and winged fruits. Good yellow autumn colours. Can be
grown in most places including damp sites and clay soils.
Lime (Small Leaved) Size: L: A generally slower growing, parkland tree with heart shaped leaves.
Scented creamy-white flowers are produced in July. Really important tree for bees as they are drawn
to the nectar-rich flowers.
Oak (English) Size: L: A slow growing, broad and long-lived tree (1,000+ years). Good feature tree
that develops great ’character’ and supports a greater number of insect species than any other tree.
Rowan Size: S
An attractive garden tree. Abundant blossom in spring, red berries in summer and good autumn colour.
Scots Pine Size: L: An evergreen conifer with dark green needles and orange bark to upper stem. It
is best suited to parklands, large gardens, heath land and woodlands. It is tolerant of most sites but favours free draining, mildly acidic soils.
Eventual Tree Height:
Large (L) = 18m+
Medium (M) = 10 -18m
Small (S) = 5 - 10m
Hedging Information
Blackthorn: Thorny shrub that will frequently sucker (sprout from the base). Very early flowering and has
sloes in autumn. Produces dense thicket hedging. Generally reaches 4 - 5m in height.
Dog Rose: A thorny climbing / rambling plant that has large pink / white flowers followed by large red
hips in autumn. Can reach 5m in length / height.
Dogwood: A bushy shrub with dark red stems in winter, bunches of creamy white flowers in summer
and black berries in autumn. A useful component of a hedge in limited numbers.
Hawthorn: A shrub or small tree up to 7m tall. Has reliable ‘may’ blossom in early summer and red berries in autumn. The thorny nature of this tree makes it an important component of a hedge.
Shropshire Council Community Tree
Scheme 2016—2017
Important Information
So that your application can be processed without delay, and to help
us organise the scheme efficiently please ensure that:



You fill out ALL sections of the application form
You provide a map or sketch with the location of planting
You apply as early as possible
Please note We prefer to correspond by e mail if possible. This will help
save on paper and postage costs and allow us to give out more trees!
Scheme Open: Mon 29thAugust
Collection Date: Sat 11th February
2017