How do I start planting trees?
Lambeth Council can offer residents the opportunity to sponsor the planting of a new street or parks tree with up to 3 years watering and maintenance. The standard size of the trees would be semi-mature, but you are able to request non-standard sizes or a different variety of tree, that may be subjected to additional costs.
To find out more information on the two types of trees and what the costs are, please see our tree sponsorship webpage.
There are also alternative options and prices for planting trees via the National Trust website.
Why plant trees?
Trees are not only great for sequestering and storing carbon, but they are proven to reduce the risk of flooding. There are several ways planting trees can help prevent flooding.
They can directly intercept rainfall, slowing its journey to the ground. Rain hits the canopy (the uppermost branches of the tree) and could evaporate or drip down from the leaves. It will flow down the trunk, eventually infiltrating the soil at a slower rate.
Tree root systems also help with water infiltration. Water penetrates more deeply into soils under or around trees, preventing the water from overflowing over the surface and leading to floods. In compacted soils, tree roots have been shown to improve infiltration by 153% compared to unplanted land.
Trees remove water from the catchment area reducing the pressure on drainage systems in urban areas and flood risk in rural areas, as they absorb runoff from roads and agricultural areas. When flooding does occur trees, shrubs, and deadwood act as a drag on flood waters, holding back and slowing the flow of water.
See more information on how trees can reduce floods on the Institute of Chartered Foresters website.