Cherishing memories through commemorative tree planting

Did you know we plant dozens of trees each year on behalf of people wanting to preserve precious memories?

Our commemorative tree-planting scheme has helped plant more than 40 trees in the city’s parks over the past 12 months, for residents looking to mark a special occasion like a birth, anniversary or bereavement of a loved one.

It’s a great way of celebrating memories and the people in your life while supporting the city’s tree population, not to mention the benefits to wildlife that they bring.

Through the Tree Trust Fund, new trees are planted in any of the listed available parks during planting season, which is usually between November and March, depending on the temperatures.

The cost of the donation includes general maintenance, a 3-year watering cycle, and a replacement if the tree fails within its first season. 

Find out more about our commentative tree planting, including how you can donate and submit an application.

Special moments

David Brookhouse, of the City Parks team, oversees the service. He says: “I really enjoy this part of my job. I arrange donation tree planting with many people who want to do something to mark a special occasion such as an anniversary or the loss of a loved one, and it’s a privilege to help them do that.

“People can help with the tree planting if they wish and many like to say a few words afterwards. It’s a special moment for them.

“Not only does this mean a lot to people on a personal level, it’s also beneficial for the environment, another matter very close to my heart. So a big ‘thank you’ to all the donators I’ve planted trees for so far! 

“We get so much positive feedback from people who’ve donated a tree through the Tree Trust Fund and it’s a great way of increasing our tree population, especially at a time where we’ve sadly had to fell a lot of diseased trees around the city – this scheme also helps us reach our targets for re-planting.”

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports and Recreation, with responsibility for the city’s parks, said: “This really is a great service and the feedback we receive from those who use it is so positive.

“Everyone celebrates, remembers or grieves differently and, for some, planting a tree is the perfect way of preserving those cherished memories for decades to come.”

Picture: David (left) with colleague Iain Palmer (right) with a newly planted Scots pine

Feedback

• “Thank you so much for organising the memorial tree, it went beautifully.”
• “I just wanted to thank you for the tree planting and being so lovely and good with the kids. It was a very special day for us and we are glad it was you doing the trees with us!”
• “We really appreciate all your efforts into getting the right date and time for our tree planting. It’s a beautiful tree and we will cherish it forever!”
• “I wanted to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you for the incredible effort you put into planting the lovely tree in memory of our dear friend last Friday. Your dedication and attention to detail made the day truly special for all of us. I greatly appreciated how you kept me in the loop throughout the entire process – the occasion was very emotional and heartfelt, and your presence helped to create a warm and comforting atmosphere for me and my friends. It was a moment we will cherish forever.”