We have responsibility for approximately 20,000 trees within the City of York in parks, strays, nature reserves, pockets of public open spaces and woodlands. The diversity of types of trees and their habitats mean that they are managed in different ways.

Treemendous York

Treemendous York is an exciting new initiative which aims to plant 50,000 trees in York between November 2011 and April 2014 (3 planting seasons).  It is made up of several community groups working in partnership with City of York Council. 

Fantastic support has already been received from several businesses and organisations such as Helmsley Group, B&Q, Galtres Festival, Wykam Mature Plants and Sleightholm Landscapes.  In addition to groups, businesses and organisations, support is also needed from local residents to help us reach our target of 50,000 trees.  If you are able to offer support by way of land, donations of trees, time to plant trees or water them once they are planted we would love to hear from you.  It is important to plant the right tree in the right place and suggestions of areas would also be welcomed.

A leaflet giving more details on how to get involved is available to download to the right hand side of this page.

Please send your suggestions to City of York Council, City Strategy, FREEPOST YO239, York  YO1 7ZZ, email community.planning@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 551474.

Tree surveys

We take a strategic approach to surveying our trees, with trees in high use areas being surveyed every 18-24 months and longer periods in lower use areas.  In addition, tree specific inspections are undertaken following new information concerning the health of a tree, or for other reasons, such as after high winds when there may be a heightened risk to the public.  Surveys are carried out by qualified park employees, supported by experienced external consultants.  These surveys provide information which guides both day to day and long term management, including leaving trees alone, pruning and felling.

For high use areas such as the main parks and other busy sites, surveys use the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) methodology. QTRA uses 3 components to identify risk and any necessary tree work needed.

Pruning trees

Following tree surveys pruning may take place to improve the health, stability and life span of a tree. Pruning may include crown lifting to improve sightlines and allow grass cutting, crown reduction to reduce the risk of branch failure and gale damage and specific branch removal to reduce the risk to the public or nearby properties from falling branches.

Felling trees

Trees are felled as a last resort when they are dead, dying or in an unstable condition and where there is no reasonable economical or practical way to save the tree. It is necessary, occasionally, to fell trees which are likely to, or are damaging a property, for instance, through subsidence.

Planting trees

For every tree felled two trees are planted in its place, though not necessarily in the same plot if this is not appropriate.

Choice of tree

Where appropriate we will try and increase the diversity of varieties to provide greater interest and wider habitats for wildlife. The immediate environment, landscape and soil conditions are also taken into account.

Tree Donations and Gifts

Help protect York's precious tree heritage by making a donation towards planting a tree. This can be a way to mark a memorable event such as a birthday, anniversary, wedding or to commemorate a special person.

Donations can also be made towards park benches, bench plaques and daffodil planting, please see our memorial and donation pages.