Street Tree Planting

Lowther Forestry manages urban tree planting initiatives that transform streetscapes, improve air quality, reduce urban heat and enhance property values. Our street tree service begins with thorough site appraisal and extends through species selection, installation, establishment aftercare and long-term maintenance.

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From Assessment to Aftercare

Every scheme begins with a detailed assessment of soil conditions, underground utilities, footfall patterns, sightlines and local microclimate. This groundwork ensures that species and planting positions are selected to minimise future conflicts with infrastructure, promote vigorous establishment and deliver the visual and environmental outcomes the scheme requires. Where relevant, we prioritise resilient, climate-adapted varieties to maximise longevity and biodiversity value.

Installation is designed for long-term performance. Our approach includes correctly sized rooting zones and tree pits, structural soils and modular root-protection systems to prevent compaction, soil amelioration, drainage and root barriers where needed. Above ground, secure staking or anchoring, tailored irrigation, anti-evaporation measures and decorative protective guards and grilles reduce vandalism and pedestrian impact while supporting healthy growth from the outset.

Aftercare is central to success in the urban environment. We provide scheduled watering, formative pruning, rootzone management and condition monitoring during the critical two to three year establishment period. Beyond establishment, our service extends to long-term maintenance plans and warranty options that protect client investment and ensure the planted landscape continues to thrive.

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NHSS 18A, 18B
and 18C Accredited

Fully accredited for landscaping and arboriculture on the strategic road network, covering soft landscaping, hard landscaping and maintenance.
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Experienced Design
and Delivery Team

Our design and delivery teams plan each scheme around underground services, soil volumes and footfall, then specify the tree pits, root protection and climate-adapted species that give urban trees the best chance of establishing.
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Sustainable
Trees & Shrubs

We work with leading tree nurseries across the UK and Europe to source sustainably grown standard and semi-mature trees, with all stock fully traceable from origin to planting.

Trusted by the UK's Leading Contractors

Lowther Forestry works as a trusted landscaping subcontractor to many of the UK's largest construction and infrastructure firms. These relationships are built on decades of reliable delivery, competitive pricing and the ability to mobilise skilled teams at short notice across the country. Many of our Tier 1 clients have worked with us continuously for over ten years, returning project after project because of the consistency and quality we bring to their programmes.

Street tree planting by Lowther Forestry
Street tree planting by Lowther Forestry

Trusted By Main Contractors, Utilities and Public Bodies

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Testimonials

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Thanks so much for going the extra mile to keep our roads safe. Your commitment to excellence really shows. Keep up the fantastic work.

5 Star Review for Wired by Jessops (Cornwall) icon.

Nationally recognised accreditations

NHSS 18A, 18B and 18C for landscaping and arboriculture on the strategic road network. ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (health and safety).

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Five Offices Across the UK

Our regional offices sit in Penrith (Cumbria, head office), Castleford (Yorkshire and the North East), Runcorn (North West), Milton Keynes (South and East) and the West Midlands. Tree surveying and Advanced Tree Assessments are run from our Penrith team and travel nationally. Project teams come from the office closest to your site.

See Our Regional Offices

Common Questions About Street Tree Planting

How do you protect underground services during planting?
Every site undergoes a thorough utility survey before any excavation begins. We use service detection equipment and work closely with utility providers to map below-ground infrastructure. Tree pit positions are then designed to maintain safe clearances, and root barriers or deflection systems are installed where necessary to prevent future root intrusion into service corridors.
What species work best in urban environments?
Species selection depends on the specific site conditions, including soil type, available rooting volume, microclimate, pollution levels and sightline requirements. We typically recommend resilient, climate-adapted species with compact or manageable crown forms, low allergenicity and proven tolerance to urban stress. Our team can advise on the best options for each location during the design phase.
What does the aftercare period include?
Our aftercare programmes cover scheduled watering, formative pruning, rootzone management, stake and tie adjustments, and regular condition monitoring. This typically spans a two to three year establishment period, during which trees are most vulnerable to drought, vandalism and environmental stress. We also offer extended maintenance plans and warranty options beyond the initial establishment phase.
Do you use engineered tree pit systems?
Yes. Where site conditions demand it, we design and install engineered tree pit systems including structural soils, modular crate systems and load-bearing root cells. These solutions provide adequate rooting volume beneath paved surfaces without compromising structural integrity. The choice of system is determined by traffic loading, available space and the long-term growth requirements of the selected species.
Can you handle large-scale urban planting programmes?
We have the capacity and experience to deliver large-scale street tree programmes across multiple sites and phases. Our five regional offices, established nursery partnerships and contract-grow facility allow us to secure stock at volume and coordinate planting within tight programme windows. We work closely with local authorities, developers and highway authorities to manage logistics, traffic management and community engagement throughout delivery.