Trees for communities
We have two trees for communities offers running currently. Read on to see if you can claim any free trees for your community.
50th Anniversary commemorative trees
2024 / 25 marks the 50th anniversary of North Kesteven District Council being established, and to celebrate the occasion we aim to plant 50 single specimen trees around the District of North Kesteven.
The tree must be a native species, however, the species of tree provided will depend on any preferences you may have and the suitability of the site for the tree to thrive in the long term. The site should be accessible to the public to some extent (e.g. school grounds, amenity land, parks, village greens). Anyone is welcome to apply, including community groups, parish or town councils, charities, schools and residents’ associations.
Trees will be provided singly, alongside stakes, ties and tree protection. Please note, we are unable to provide ongoing maintenance for the tree.
To apply for trees, please complete our application form.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 17 February 2025. However, please note that applications will close sooner if capacity is reached. Applications will be reviewed by a panel on a rolling basis and those who are successful will be informed.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please email partnerships@n-kesteven.gov.uk or phone 01529 414155 and ask for the Partnerships Team.
You can also request a paper copy of the application form using the contact details above.
Trees suitable for the 50th anniversary commemorative planting
Our Tree Officer has compiled a list of native British trees that should thrive in a variety of locations in North Kesteven. Please review this list and indicate your preference on the application form. If you’re unsure, please contact us for advice.
Sizes:
- Large tree: 15m tall and above
- Medium tree: 10-15m tall
- Small tree: up to 7-10m tall
Species | Features | Size when full grown | Ideal location |
---|---|---|---|
Alnus glutinosa (alder) | Architectural when mature | Large tree | Wet soils |
Betula pendula (silver birch) | Attractive white bark | Large tree | Full sun, drought intolerant |
Fagus sylvatica (beech) | Beautiful tree | Large tree | Shade and lime tolerant (suitable for Lincoln Cliff/Cliff villages), grows among other trees |
Quercus robur (English oak) | Iconic. Supports more species than any other | Large tree | Needs space |
Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime) | Good for pollinators | Large tree, smaller cultivars available | Shade tolerant |
Acer campestre (field maple) | Autumn colour | Medium tree. ‘Elsrijk’ variety has consistent form | Grows well in NK |
Betula pubescens (downy birch) | Attractive white bark | Medium tree | Shade and drought intolerant, tolerates poor or wet, acid soil |
Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) | Edible berries, mayflower. Wildlife tree | Medium tree | Drought tolerant, shade intolerant |
Prunus padus (bird cherry) | Berries, attractive flowers, pollen source | Medium tree | Untidy looking tree, tolerates wetter soils than P. avium |
Sorbus aria (whitebeam) | Berries, attractive flowers, pollen source | Medium tree | Drought tolerant. Vulnerable to soil compaction- avoid verges and waterlogged areas |
Taxus baccata (yew) | Iconic. Associated with religious sites from pre-Christian times | Medium tree | Leaves and seeds poisonous- keep away from livestock. Drought tolerant |
Corylus avellana (hazel) | Nuts, catkins | Small tree | Multi-stemmed, treat as large shrub |
Community orchards
During 2025, North Kesteven were pleased to offer free fruit trees to establish community orchards in North Kesteven as part of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund. The Coronation Living Heritage Fund (CLHF) celebrated the coronation of King Charles III.
We hope to relaunch in summer 2025. Please look out for further information on our website in due course
To classify as an orchard, trees planted had to be in a group of at least five trees in the same location. Alongside the trees, stakes, ties and tree protection were provided.
The scheme has been hugely successful with fruit trees awarded to local schools, parish councils and community groups.
We have planted apples, pears and plums including Lincolnshire Heritage Varieties such as Ellison's Orange, Allington Pippin, Barnack Beauty and Peasgood Nonsuch.
Planting and caring for our trees
Caring for trees, is vital to ensuring the trees survival and health. For example:
- Trees should be watered after periods of dry weather
- Trunks of young and sensitive trees should be wrapped in cold weather to prevent frost cracks or damage
- Weak branches can be trimmed before expected storms
- Regularly inspect trees for pests, diseases or nutrient deficiencies, for example yellowing of leaves or wilting
- Avoid using harmful chemicals unless absolutely necessary
Pruning fruit trees is also important for shaping the tree, by either encouraging or containing growth depending on the time of year. Apples and pears are best pruned in the winter months to avoid stress, whilst plums or cherries are best pruned in spring or summer. Advice on pruning is available on the Woodland Trust website or the RHS website.
Please look after our community orchards by picking only ripe fruit, not climbing trees and being mindful of animals and other visitors.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please email climate_change@n-kesteven.gov.uk or phone 01529 414155 and ask for the Climate Change Team.