The Importance of Planting Native Trees in the UK

Planting native trees is one of the most effective ways to support biodiversity, combat climate change and protect the UK’s natural heritage. Native trees are uniquely adapted to local conditions, require less maintenance and support more wildlife than non-native species.

In this guide, we explore the benefits of native trees, the environmental role they play and why planting them is more urgent than ever.

What Are Native Trees?

Native trees are species that have evolved naturally in a region over thousands of years. In the UK, this means trees that have been growing here since the last Ice Age, without human introduction.

Examples include oak, silver birch, rowan, hawthorn and Scots pine. These species form the backbone of Britain’s woodland ecosystems, supporting everything from insects and birds to fungi and mammals.

Why Are Native Trees Important?

1. They support wildlife

Native trees provide food, shelter and breeding habitats for hundreds of species. From nesting birds to pollinators like bees and butterflies, native woodland creates a complete ecological network.

2. They improve air quality

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. This helps reduce air pollution and slow the effects of climate change.

3. They prevent flooding and erosion

Tree roots help anchor soil and absorb rainwater, reducing surface runoff. This is vital for flood-prone areas and protecting waterways.

4. They require less maintenance

Because they are suited to local soil, climate and pests, native trees need fewer pesticides, less watering and less intervention overall.

How Trees Help Fight Climate Change

Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it into their roots, trunks and leaves. A single mature tree can absorb up to 22kg of CO2 per year.

Globally, scientists have identified 1.7 billion hectares of land suitable for reforestation. This space could support up to 1.2 trillion new native trees, with the potential to remove over 200 billion tonnes of carbon.

Planting trees isn’t just symbolic: it’s a practical, scalable solution to climate breakdown. But only if we plant the right species in the right places.

The Risks of Non-Native Species

Non-native or exotic trees may look appealing, but they can disrupt local ecosystems. These trees:

• May not support local insects, birds or fungi
• Can outcompete native species for light, space or nutrient
• May introduce pests or diseases from abroad

Planting non-native trees can unintentionally harm biodiversity. That’s why choosing native species is essential for long-term environmental resilience.

Benefits of Choosing Native Trees and Plants

Benefit	Native Plants & Trees	Non-Native or Exotic Plants
Biodiversity	Support local species and food chains	Often incompatible with local wildlife
Water Use	Adapted to local rainfall	May need irrigation
Maintenance	Lower maintenance, fewer inputs	Often need pesticides or fertiliser
Soil Compatibility	Suited to local soil types	May struggle without modification
Visual Appeal	Seasonal interest and natural beauty	Often decorative, but less ecologically valuable
Carbon Footprint	Sourced locally, less transport impact	Often imported

Common UK Native Trees

There are native tree species for every soil type and setting, from woodlands and wetlands to parks and gardens. Some of the most common include:

• Oak – A keystone species that supports over 2,000 organisms
• Rowan – Popular in urban planting for its colour and berries
• Silver birch – Fast-growing and loved by insects
• Hazel – Produces nuts and is ideal for coppicing
• Hawthorn – Great for hedgerows and nesting birds
• Scots pine – The UK’s only native conifer
• Crab apple – Supports pollinators and birds
• Elder – Fast-growing and perfect for small gardens

These trees form the foundation of woodland ecosystems and are key to nature recovery across the UK.

Why Tree Planting Must Be Local and Monitored

Tree planting needs to be done with care. Recent years have seen a rise in pests and diseases entering the UK through imported saplings and untreated timber. These threats include:

• Ash dieback
• Oak processionary moth
• Sudden oak death
• Elm disease

To protect UK tree populations, always source trees grown and certified in the UK. Work with professional landscapers or tree specialists who understand planting conditions, local ecology and tree health.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees?

The best time to plant trees in the UK is between November and March, when trees are dormant. This allows roots to settle before the growing season starts in spring.

Bare root and root-ball trees are also cheaper during this period, making it ideal for large-scale planting projects.

How to Choose and Plant Trees

Consider:

• Soil type (clay, loam, sandy, acidic or alkaline)
• Available space (small garden, field margin, public green space)
• Local wildlife
• Visual impact throughout the year

Tips:

• Don’t plant too deep – tree roots need access to air and moisture
• Water newly planted trees for the first two summers
• Mulch around the base to suppress weeds and retain moisture
• Use tree guards if needed to protect from deer or rabbits

Grounds Care Group can assess your site and recommend the best tree mix for long-term success.

Threats to Native Trees in the UK

The UK has lost over 90% of its wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands in the past century. Native trees now face multiple pressures:

• Deforestation for agriculture and development
• Climate change and extreme weather
• Invasive species and imported diseases
• Habitat fragmentation

Estimates suggest that over the next 10 years, the UK could lose 150 million mature trees and 2 billion saplings to disease alone.

Planting and protecting native trees has never been more urgent.

Government and Charity Tree Planting Schemes

Several national projects are helping to increase tree cover in the UK:

• The England Tree Strategy – targets 11 million new trees
• Plant Britain (BBC Countryfile) – encouraging community planting
• Woodland Trust – offers free trees for schools and communities
• The Tree Council – funds tree planting and care initiatives
• Trees for Cities – focuses on urban tree planting projects

Grounds Care Group supports these initiatives and works with clients to turn outdoor space into climate-positive, wildlife-friendly landscapes.

How Grounds Care Group Supports Tree Planting

We help businesses, schools, local authorities and property managers to:

• Choose native trees that suit their space and soil
• Plant trees safely and professionally
• Maintain healthy trees through pruning, protection and monitoring
• Improve biodiversity on site
• Meet sustainability goals and support the environment

From soft landscaping to full-scale rewilding, our team is ready to make your grounds greener and more resilient.

Ready to Plant?

Native trees offer one of the simplest, most effective ways to fight climate change and support local wildlife. Whether you’re working on a large project or just want to add shade to a small space, we can help.

Contact us today to discuss your planting plans and bring more native trees into your landscape.