Bath-based housing association Curo is celebrating the end of a successful tree-planting season, which has seen 900 trees being planted across the area.
Joe Robson, Curo’s Senior Arboriculturalist, plants fruit trees at Ballance Street with a resident | Photo © Curo
The tree-planting season runs between November and March, when trees are dormant. The success rate of trees planted during this time greatly increases.
Curo replaces every tree they fell, though not always in the same place or with the same species.
Senior Arboriculturalist Joe Robson explained that he follows the principle of ‘right tree, right place’ when drawing up tree-planting plans.
He said: “Trees are vital for our communities as they enhance the environment, storing carbon to combat climate change, while providing habitats for insects, animals and birds.
“They act as a natural air filter, trapping pollution in their leaves and bark. Plus, being around nature has proven mental health benefits for people, reducing stress and promoting wellbeing.
“Tree planting is one of the best parts of my job,” says Joe. “I work with volunteer groups, charities, community groups, contractors and colleagues to plant trees across the Curo estate.”
Curo plant a variety of tree species, both native and non-native.
Joe continued: “I build species diversity into planting plans. Not only does this make sites look interesting, it also helps to protect our trees from pests and diseases.
“My favourite species is the Lombardy cherry (Prunus Amanogawa). It has a pinkish white blossom and grows in a tall, narrow shape, which is rare for cherry trees.”
Curo have worked with local councillors and community groups to plant orchards on two sites during this planting season.
Joe added: “It’s great to see volunteers grab a spade and help to improve their local areas.
“People always leave with a smile on their faces, looking forward to enjoying some free fruit in the coming summers!”
Local charity More Trees for B&NES (MTFB) have worked with Curo during the planting season.
The charity collects seeds from trees in the B&NES area, grows them in nurseries until they’re big enough to be planted and then donates them to people who plant them on land across the district.
Sandra Tuck, Community Tree Nursery Coordinator at MTFB, said: “The tree-planting projects have produced a great result on Curo sites this year.”
Joe concluded: “We’ve loved working with MTFB. It’s fantastic to be involved with such a proactive, forward-thinking and unique charity.”
If you’d like to suggest an area of Curo land that would benefit from tree planting, contact Curo via [email protected].
