Greening Your School: The Power of Tree Planting for a Sustainable Future

Trees are essential in the fight against climate change. Beyond reducing deforestation, we can make a difference by planting more trees, even right on school grounds. Planting trees not only helps the planet but also creates spaces where wildlife can thrive, enhances the beauty of your school, and offers fantastic learning opportunities for students.

Here’s how your school can get involved.

Why Plant Trees?

Habitat creation: Planting trees provides homes for wildlife, drawing in species that enrich the local ecosystem. These natural habitats can become a wonderful learning resource for students, bringing nature right to your doorstep.

Green spaces: Trees transform school grounds, making them more inviting and boosting students’ wellbeing. Green, leafy areas offer peaceful spaces for both play and relaxation.

Pollution reduction: Trees act as a natural shield, reducing noise, dust, and pollutants while giving back the oxygen we need. They’re especially valuable in schools near busy roads or urban areas.

Cooler temperatures: Trees also help regulate the temperature by offering shade and reducing heat by as much as 15 degrees – making schoolyards cooler and more pleasant, especially in the summer months.

Choosing the Right Trees

Selecting the right species for your school is key to long-term success. A variety of native species is always recommended, as they support local wildlife and are well-suited to the UK’s climate. Depending on your location, you could choose from as many as 20 different species.

If your school runs a forest school programme, species like elder, hazel, or willow are fantastic choices. These trees not only thrive in outdoor learning environments but also offer materials for hands-on activities like crafting and foraging.

Planning, Planting & Aftercare

Successful tree planting requires a bit of preparation. Here’s how to get started:

Planning

Start by assessing the site. Measure the available space and note any underground or overhead restrictions. For a typical school pack of trees, spacing them around two metres apart is a good rule of thumb, whether you’re planting in a single line or double rows.

Planting

When it’s time to plant, stick to the recommended spacing of two metres between each tree. For larger species, adjust accordingly. Dig a square hole, roughly 20cm x 20cm x 20cm. This helps prevent root binding and gives the trees a better chance to establish themselves.

You can also plant shrubs alongside trees to create a more diverse and multi-layered habitat, supporting a wider range of species.

Aftercare

To ensure the trees thrive, proper aftercare is essential. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods. Schools can make great use of rainwater collectors for this. Planting trees in late autumn or near Christmas gives them time to develop strong roots before the drier months arrive.

Be mindful of where you plant—avoid placing trees within 5-6 metres of buildings to prevent shading or obstruction as they grow.

The Impact

By following these steps, your school can help build a more sustainable future while giving students the chance to connect with nature. The trees you plant today will not only benefit the environment but will also serve as a legacy for future generations.

Need more advice or help on getting started? We offer a range of services to help you create greener school grounds:

School Tree Planting Programme – Climate Education 

School Site Development Plan – Climate Education 

Wildflower Meadow Creation – Climate Education 

Members can also access the Schools Guide to Tree Planting