This guide explains what the urban forest is, why street trees matter, how to manage them and what the user (whether homeowner, developer or local authority) needs to know.
The "Urban Forest"
In the context of England, the urban forest includes all the trees in a town or city, whether on streets, beside railways or canals, in parks, woodlands, gardens or even private sites. Street trees are a visible and vital part of this system: trees planted or retained along highways, footpaths and in associated open spaces. They deliver numerous benefits but also require planning, management and the right species for the right place.
Street Trees and Planning
For any project affecting or including street trees (whether highways work, new build, infill or regeneration), steps should be taken to help make sure that the trees are protected:
Early tree survey: identify existing trees, evaluate roots, canopy space, health, constraints.
Spatial planning: ensure adequate rooting volume, appropriate species, future growth considered.
Tree protection: during construction, apply root-protection zones, tree protection fences, no-dig surfaces where necessary.
Integration with design: tree can be asset rather than obstacle – use tree features as amenity, shade, biodiversity corridors.
Long-term maintenance plan: identify who will manage, for how long, what budget and what regime.
Risk assessment: balance tree benefits with hazards (overhanging limbs, proximity to buildings/highways) and implement inspection/monitoring.
Replacement and succession: trees are living assets with limited lifespan—plan for replacement and species succession to maintain canopy cover.