Tree and Hedge Planting Guidance

Planting trees and hedges is one of the most effective ways communities can support wildlife, tackle climate change and improve local places. This page explains the basics and links to trusted guidance to help you plan and carry out your own tree or hedge planting project.

Why plant trees and hedges?

When planted in the right place and cared for properly, trees and hedgerows support nature and people alike by:

Providing food, shelter and wildlife corridors
Absorbing carbon, improving air quality and cooling streets
Slowing rainwater and helping reduce flood risk
Improving wellbeing and making places greener and more attractive

A simple 5-step approach to tree and hedge planting

Find the opportunity
Look for gaps, edges or boundaries on council or community-managed land.
Choose the right planting
Pick the right tree or hedge for the space, soil and setting.
Involve people early
Talk to residents, volunteers and partners to build support.
Plan for care
New planting needs watering, protection and light maintenance.
Plant and share
Run a planting day and celebrate what you’ve achieved.

Where can we plant?

Good places to start include:

Village greens, verges and open spaces
Playing fields and recreation grounds
Churchyards, cemeteries and allotments
Village halls, schools and care settings

Boundaries are often ideal. Replacing fencing with hedges can improve security and wildlife value.

If you don’t own land, consider partnering with local landowners, schools, businesses or residents to find suitable planting sites.

What should we plant?

Native species are particularly important, ideally UK-grown and locally sourced. In some cases, non-natives species may also be suitable, as they can be more resilient to a changing climate.
Match species to the space — think about size, roots and visibility
Leave enough space from buildings, roads and services

You don’t need to be an expert. Clear, practical advice is available from the following organisations:

When and how to plant

Most planting takes place between November and March
Cut the grass short and clear any weeds before planting
Trees and hedges need checking and care for the first few years

Step-by-step guidance is available from the following organisations:

Help, funding and volunteers

Free trees, funding and advice are often available to support communities starting a planting project.

Local initiatives include:

Other initiatives include:

Running community planting days not only helps get the work done but also builds skills, pride and encourages ongoing care for the trees and hedgerows.

For current funding opportunities and support, see our Biodiversity in Action: Support and Funding Guide.

Share your success

Once your trees or hedges are planted, sharing your achievements helps celebrate your community’s efforts and inspires others to get involved.

Add your project to the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Team Wilder map
Share updates locally to inspire others

Key message

Planting trees and hedges doesn’t need to be complicated. Starting small, choosing the right place and species, and using trusted guidance can make a lasting difference. With a little planning and ongoing care, even modest projects can grow into something valuable — creating healthier habitats, greener spaces and more enjoyable places for people and wildlife, now and for generations to come. And don’t forget, it’s not just about planting new trees and hedgerows, but also caring for the ones we a

South Warwickshire