Tree planting schemes where participants contribute financially, achieve higher survival rates than free tree giveaways.
The findings come from a study led by the Trees Outside Woodland research project and it could offer local authorities a cost-effective method to expand tree cover and enhance biodiversity.
Jon Stokes, director of science and research at The Tree Council, said: “This research seems to confirm that when people make a small financial contribution toward their trees, they’re more likely to care for them properly, increasing their chances of survival.”
The trial, conducted across four local authorities, compared free tree schemes with subsidised schemes, where recipients covered 50% of the costs.
Over three years, 145,000 trees were planted across 1,200 sites, with nearly 90,000 surviving.
Subsidised schemes saw a survival rate of 88%, compared to 83% for free schemes, and cost local authorities significantly less per surviving tree.
Natural England chief scientist Sallie Bailey said: “As we face the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, this research offers a practical pathway for effective tree planting.”
The study has already informed new resources for councils to improve tree scheme design. Ongoing monitoring until September 2025 will further assess long-term tree survival.
The Tree Council is also running an annual campaign, Trees Love Care, to promote proper care for young trees.
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