Help our young trees thrive this summer by joining Friends of Street Trees

Our borough is greener than ever, but our young street trees need your help to flourish this summer. Discover how you can support Richmond upon Thames’s growing canopy and connect with others at an upcoming Friends of Street Trees event this May.

This past planting season (November to March) has been one of our most successful yet, with over 800 trees planted across our highways, parks and open spaces. Thanks to donations from our specialist tree contractors, we also gave away 1,000 trees to residents, schools and community groups for planting in local gardens and private land. 

Now, as warmer, drier weather approaches, we are asking for your help to keep our young street trees healthy and growing strong. The number one cause of mortality for street trees in England is lack of water - but together, we can change that. 

We are collaborating closely with our specialist contractor to deliver our most ambitious watering and aftercare programme to date, which includes over 2,000 young trees. This is an enormous challenge, and any additional watering support from the community - especially during hot and dry spells - goes a very long way to ensure our trees make the most of the sunlight and thrive! 

Join Friends of Street Trees

Friends of Street Trees is a community-led volunteer group dedicated to helping our trees thrive. This spring and summer, they are calling on residents to join them by helping to water the young trees near their own homes - a small act that makes a big difference.

Right now, they are looking for individuals willing to help galvanise participation in their own street.

• Date: Thursday 15 May 2025 
• Time: 7.30 to 9pm. Welcome from 7pm
• Location: York House, Twickenham, TW1 3DT 

Register your free place.

Not interested in taking on a volunteer role? You can still make a big impact. Even watering the young tree on your street with 10 litres every couple of days can help it survive and thrive.

Learn how to water your local street tree.

A greener Richmond upon Thames, thanks to you 

Our residents’ passion for trees is helping to shape the future of our borough. The incredible response - over 1,300 - to our recent Tree Planting and Establishment Strategy consultation is helping to inform how we grow and care for our borough’s urban forest - alongside our Climate Emergency Strategy, Corporate Plan, and Biodiversity Action Plan.

We are grateful to everyone who took part - and to everyone continuing to help care for our shared green spaces.