I’m writing to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act: a) Number of trees owned by TFL for the years 2008-2018. I would like a total figure for each year covered in this period including 2008 and 2018. b) The number of trees removed by TFL or contractors employed by TFL between 2008 and 2018. I would like a total figure for each year covered in this period including 2008 and 2018. c) The number of trees planted by TFL or contractors employed by TFL between 2008 and 2018. I would like a total figure for each year covered in this period including 2008 and 2018.

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TfL Ref: 3235-1819

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 February 2019 asking for information about tree ownership and removal / planting by TfL for the period 2008-2018.

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.

TfL manages trees and other green infrastructure on the highways in order to deliver a range of environmental, economic and social benefits to London in addition to operating a safe network.

Please see table below for figures from 2013 to 2018.  We are unable to retrieve accurate figures from 2008 to 2012 as originally requested.

When looking at the table below please note that it is not possible to provide an exact number for street trees owned in any one year because on average that number changes on a daily basis. However, we can provide a maximum/minimum range for the number of street trees or, as provided in the table below a median. 

The table below relates only to street trees and does not include woodland trees or trees owned and managed by any other parts of TfL such as London Underground or Overground networks.

YEAR	PLANTED			REMOVED	Estimated number of street trees
	Replacement	New	TOTAL	TOTAL
13/14	270	806	1076	473	20953
14/15	542	460	1002	695	21260
15/16	679	484	1163	420	22003
16/17	757	416	1173	757	22419
17/18	147	192	339	632	22126

In 2017/18 TfL undertook a major restructure of its assets teams, which has created a more efficient and effective operation. Owing to the amount of change, TfL prioritised safety-critical work and did not undertake as much street tree planting as normal.

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

Sara Thomas

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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