The UK’s urban trees are special and have played an important role in combating the effects of growing urbanisation for many years. While all trees are beneficial to an urban environment, larger species are particularly significant as the most important single elements of urban green infrastructure (GI). Large species trees convey the greatest financial, social and environmental benefits, and make a fundamental contribution to the well-being of almost 80 per cent of the UK population.
This guide aims to highlight the vital importance of large species trees, including the retention and improvement of existing trees and carrying out new planting in streets, squares and parks for new and existing developments.