Log on For Free Street Trees

Trees to be planted on Brentford's Streets

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today expanded his street tree programme to 40 'tree-free' locations across London and launched a new website enabling Londoners to request a tree outside their own homes.

During his election, the Mayor promised to fund 10,000 street trees in areas where they will most help to improve people's quality of life. The first 1500 street trees are already being planted in 20 priority locations and the Mayor has today expanded the programme to cover 40 areas across 32 London boroughs.

The Mayor also wants to encourage the 500,000 people living in these priority areas who would like trees outside their house, to register their interest online at www.london.gov.uk/streettrees. This information will then be passed on to borough councils who, as a requirement for street tree funding applications, will be asked where practicable to plant their allocation of trees in areas where residents most want them. It is expected that 100-400 street trees will be planted in chosen locations across every priority area, so by registering online, residents will increase the chances of their streets getting some welcome greenery.

The Mayor's street tree programme is managed by the Forestry Commission, working in partnership with the environmental charity Groundwork, and is an expansion of their existing London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme.

London Assembly member for Hounslow, Tony Arbour is encouraging local people to improve the quality of life in their street by asking for a tree from Mayor, Boris Johnson. Tony said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for local people to make their street a greener and more pleasing place to live. I urge people to grab the opportunity with both hands and sign-up on the website today.”

May 9, 2009