7.1 Why trees are important

Surrey County Council declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ in July 2019 and committed to plant a tree for every Surrey resident as part of a new tree strategy: “By 2030, Surrey will benefit from 1.2 million new trees, with the right trees planted in the right place, including both urban and rural locations, and supported to grow to maturity.”

Street trees are an invaluable means of achieving this aim, helping to create safer, healthier and more resilient streets. New developments are an excellent opportunity for creating new tree-lined avenues. Retrofit schemes allow us to regreen existing urban streets. This is in line with the recommendations of the England Tree Action Plan (DEFRA), the NPPF, the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission (BBBBC) and the new NMDC.

Street greening can:

• Improve air quality, absorb pollution and create a physical barrier from road pollution;
• Shade streets, help regulate temperature and reduce the urban heat island effect;
• Enhance biodiversity and ecological connectivity, creating habitat for wildlife;
• Intercept rainfall and increase infiltration, reducing pressure on drainage systems and recharging aquifers;
• Assist with traffic calming and speed control;
• Encourage physical activity, walking and cycling;
• Improve mental wellbeing and cognitive development;
• Enhance the appearance of streets, setting of buildings and help define public realm; and
• Increase property values.