Site Assessment & Location (C753 S19.2)

Crucial to integrate tree planning early. Check thoroughly for underground utilities (gas, water, electric, comms using NJUG guidelines) and overhead lines. Assess available soil volume (essential for healthy growth - C753 S19.8.2), pavement construction, soil type/condition, drainage, sunlight, and wind exposure.

Consider space for mature canopy/root spread, avoiding conflicts with buildings, traffic sightlines, lighting columns. Consult local authority highway regulations and tree strategies - permissions essential for planting in public highways/pavements (C753 Ch 9).

Species Selection (C753 S19.3; GI Guide - Planting)

Choose UK-native or well-adapted non-native species appropriate for the specific urban location and constraints (paved environment, soil volume, air pollution, salt tolerance, pests/diseases, future climate resilience). Consider mature size/form (canopy spread, height - aim for large canopy where space permits), structural integrity, root characteristics (avoiding infrastructure damage), allergenicity, seasonal interest (flowers, fruit, colour), and contribution to local biodiversity goals (e.g., nectar source). Consult local authority tree strategies and TDAG guidance ('Right Tree, Right Place').

Examples: Field Maple (Acer campestre), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Wild Cherry (Prunus avium).

Planting Pit Design & Soil Volume (C753 S19.2, S19.8; GI Guide - Soils)

Maximise uncompacted rooting volume - CRITICAL for tree health, longevity, and delivery of benefits (TDAG recommends aiming for soil volumes related to target canopy size). Standard pits in soft landscape should be significantly larger than rootball (min 1m³, ideally 10-15m³+ for larger trees). For paved areas, use structural soil systems (C753 S19.2.1, S19.9.2), suspended pavement/modular structures (C753 S19.2.2, S19.2.3, S19.9.3) or linked tree pits to provide adequate shared rooting volume. Ensure good aeration and drainage from the pit base to prevent waterlogging (unless water-tolerant species selected). Consider permeable surfaces around pits. If functioning as SuDS, design inlets for surface water entry (C753 S19.8.3).

Soil Specification (C753 S19.9; GI Guide - Soils)

Use good quality topsoil (e.g., BS 3882:2015, low fertility may be preferred for some biodiversity goals) or specified engineered/structural soils appropriate for the pit type and load-bearing requirements. Ensure adequate aeration, drainage, water retention, and appropriate nutrient levels/pH for selected species. Avoid soil compaction during installation.

Planting (C753 S19.11)

Follow BS 8545:2014. Select healthy stock (consider biosecurity). Plant at correct depth (root collar visible). Ensure good rootball-soil contact. Backfill carefully without compacting root zone.

Support, Protection & Irrigation (C753 S19.11)

Use appropriate staking only if necessary for stability, ensuring ties are flexible and non-abrasive; remove promptly after establishment (2-3 years) to allow natural trunk development. Install robust tree guards (metal/plastic mesh) and potentially grilles in paved areas to protect against vandalism, vehicle impact, and strimmer damage. Consider root barriers near sensitive infrastructure. Watering is vital for establishment (first 2-3 growing seasons), especially in paved environments; use watering tubes/bags or design for passive irrigation via SuDS linkage.

Aftercare & Maintenance (C753 S19.12)

Apply mulch (coarse bark/woodchip, 50-75mm deep) around base (not touching trunk) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Carry out formative pruning if needed. Regularly inspect tree health, stability, guards/stakes, and irrigation (if used). Manage surrounding vegetation/weeds.