Request ID: FOI-2774-2223 Date published: 20 February 2023
You asked
Since the 2020 financial year can you publish.
1. All documents related to where to plant trees?
2. Long term management plans for planted trees?
3. Survival rates of planted trees?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2774-2223
Thank you for your request which we received on 26 January 2023, asking for information about tree planting.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked for:
All documents related to where to plant trees?
We don’t have specific documents relating to where to plant trees, but we have a set of principles that we use to select tree planting locations. Please see the below extract from our Green Estate Management Plan (GEMP).
2.11 Policy 11 – Tree planting TfL will ensure that all tree planting on the TLRN is carried out in sustainable locations and in accordance with current recognised industry standards and best practice. 2.11.1 Tree planting shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of highway maintenance contract specification. Variation to the standard detail should only be made where local character or site factors require changes to be made, such as a different tree pit size or the use of tree guards. 2.11.2 Both direct replacement and additional tree planting is principally funded from the capital tree planting budget. Additional trees may also be funded through improvement scheme and third party development. Value for money is considered as part of all tree planting proposals to ensure that both the cost of tree planting and long-term maintenance requirements are accounted for. 2.11.3 Fundamental to tree planting is selecting the right location. Historically trees have been planted in locations which have been inappropriate for either the development or maintenance of the tree. Planting too close to the kerb and near other trees can cause trees to grow too close to passing traffic resulting in vehicle strikes. Planting in central reserves requires sufficient space for the tree to grow to its natural size and to allow for access for establishment and long term maintenance. Central reserves are particularly difficult to establish trees where heat radiates from the road surface and soil moisture is not readily available. 2.11.4 Tree planting locations, species and planting specifications shall be subject to approval by the Arboriculture and Landscape Route Managers. 2.11.5 Tree planting is a long-term investment and decisions on tree planting must take account of this. Designers, contractors and Arboriculture and Landscape Route Managers shall take account of the following when considering and undertaking tree planting on the TLRN:
Purpose Function e.g. screening, wildlife, continuity, noise or air pollution mitigation; Site constraints Street signs and traffic lights; Location of street lights (BS5489-1), 5m clearance is recommended; Proximity to dropper kerb, 1.5m clearance is recommended; Section 17 of Crime and Disorder Act 1998; 1.2m minimum of unhindered footway access (see Streetscape Guidance); Proximity to the carriageway (no trees shall be planted within 500mm of the carriageway edge); Designated parking; Proximity to other trees on TLRN; Off-site and other nearby trees which may cause development of the new tree to grow towards the highway; Presence of and visibility splays of CCTV units; Proximity of buildings, their use, windows and access; Heritage features, including sightlines for them; Presence of utilities, underground and overhead; Soil depth especially on or near structures; Likelihood of subsidence based on historic claims knowledge; Advertisement hoardings; Sightlines, especially at junctions; Structures including boundary walls; Programmed highway schemes in the area which may affect the planting location; Access to maintain the tree during establishment and when mature; The need for road restraint systems, on roads of 50mph or greater this must be assessed with Road Restraints Risk Assessment Process
Long term management plans for planted trees?
This is set out in the GEMP and in the Highways Maintenance and Projects Framework (HMPF) agreement. We don’t have specific plans for individual trees, it’s more of a set of principles managed by TfL’s Engineering’s Arboriculture & Landscape team.
3. Survival rates of planted trees?
This is not something that is currently recorded.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
