Tree-sons to be cheerful
November is an ideal month for tree planting in the UK.
The soil is still warm from summer, allowing roots to establish before winter sets in, and the cooler air reduces stress on young trees.
As long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, it’s a perfect time to get planting.
But why plant trees?
As part of National Tree Week from November 22-30, the country’s largest annual celebration of trees, organised by The Tree Council, which marks the start of the winter tree planting season, we’ve put together some compelling, science-backed reasons why we should all plant trees if we have the space:
Trees are environmental champions
- They absorb carbon dioxide: Trees are vital in the fight against climate change. According to the Woodland Trust, a single mature tree can absorb up to 21 kg of CO₂ per year, and a young woodland can lock up over 400 tonnes per hectare over 50 years.
- They produce oxygen: While exact figures vary, trees are essential for oxygen production and air purification. The Forestry Commission notes that urban trees significantly improve air quality by filtering pollutants.
- They reduce noise pollution: Forest Research UK confirms that trees can reduce noise levels by 5–8 decibels, acting as natural sound barriers in urban areas.
- They help prevent flooding: Trees intercept rainfall, improve soil infiltration, and reduce surface runoff. The Environment Agency highlights tree planting as a key strategy in natural flood management.
- They protect water quality: The Rivers Trust explains that tree buffers along rivers and streams help filter out pollutants, reducing nutrient runoff and improving aquatic ecosystems.
Trees Support Health and Wellbeing
- They promote healing: Research cited by NHS Forest shows that patients with views of nature recover faster, experience less pain, and require fewer medications.
- They reduce stress: Spending time around trees has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve mood, according to the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.
Trees enrich biodiversity
- They provide habitat: Woodland Trust’s 2025 report shows that 80% of UK woodland wildlife species rely on trees for food, shelter, and breeding grounds.
- They support pollinators and birds: Native trees like hawthorn, oak, and rowan are crucial for supporting bees, butterflies, and nesting birds.
Plant a tree
Visit your nearest GCA member garden centre to get more free advice about planting trees this autumn and to find out what they have in stock and could recommend you plant now, depending on your space and requirements.