Make your street tree-mendous

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
21/07/2008

Residents and businesses in Hammersmith and Fulham are being given the chance to sponsor a tree in their street or local area.

The tree planting season begins in November and runs until the end of March 2009 and the council is looking to make the borough cleaner and greener, with the help of its residents.

For £250, individuals or groups, associations and businesses pay for a new tree to be planted in their neighbourhood. Each sponsored tree will be tagged to show that residents have contributed towards the cost of it. 

Since 2000, over 2,000 trees have been planted in streets across the borough but the council is now calling on residents to help plant even more.

Councillor Harry Phibbs, assistant cabinet member for environment, is overseeing the project. He said: “Trees do not just brighten the scenery or the view from a window – they can help add value to the property of a house. Research in Chicago suggests that property prices on tree-lined streets are between five and ten per cent more than on streets without trees.

“We are committed to making our borough cleaner and greener and this is a perfect opportunity to make do just that.”

Recently the Mayor of London agreed to plant 10,000 more trees across London by 2012 and Hammersmith & Fulham Council is hoping to plant 80 new trees at new locations in the borough over the next year. This target is on top of the council replacing old or dead trees.

The council’s arboriculture team will be on hand to advise residents on the trees most suited to particular areas of the borough and will assess the proposed site of a tree. There can be restrictions to planting a tree in a particular place, such as underground pipes or cables and overhead telephone lines.

Residents and businesses can apply by contacting treesenquiries@lbhf.gov.uk or telephoning 020 8753 3046 and telling the council where they would like to see another tree planted.