FAQs
Our Frequently Asked Questions provide answers to commonly asked questions about street trees.
In this section
Benefits of street trees
Why are street trees important?
Urban trees provide many important benefits, including:
- Improving our physical and mental health and wellbeing
- Cleaning the air that we breathe
- Contributing to offsetting our carbon emissions
- Helping combat the effects of climate change such as flash floods and rising temperatures
- Providing a connection for people to the natural environment
You can find out more here.
Sheffield Street Tree Partnership
How was the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership Strategy developed?
The Strategy was developed through true partnership, discussion and dialogue. The initial ‘Working Strategy’ that was produced was launched for a 12-week public consultation in 2020. You can find out more here.
How can I find out about what Sheffield Street Tree Partnership has achieved?
We publish an annual progress report to publicly share and celebrate what the Partnership has achieved so far and provide transparency about where there is more work to do. You can find out more here.
Which organisations are represented on Sheffield Street Tree Partnership?
Sheffield Street Tree Partnership is represented by Sheffield City Council, Amey, the Woodland Trust, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Sheffield Tree Action Groups and the volunteer Street Tree Wardens. You can find out more about us here.
How can I get involved with supporting Sheffield Street Tree Partnership’s work?
There are lots of ways that you can get involved. You can find out more here.
Does Sheffield Street Tree Partnership publish the notes from its meetings?
Yes, we do, and you can find these here.
Sponsoring trees
Can I sponsor a street tree?
Yes, we’d love you to get involved with our mission to plant additional street trees! An exciting new partnership has been set up with the charity Trees for Streets, who run the National Street Tree Sponsorship Scheme. You can find out more here.
Can I create a crowdfund to plant additional street trees?
Yes, we’d love you to get involved with our mission to plant additional street trees! Through our partnership with the charity Trees for Streets there is also the option of crowdfunding for residents and businesses across the community to join together and increase tree canopy in local neighbourhoods. You can find out more here.
Is it also possible to sponsor a street in a park?
Yes, Sheffield City Council’s Parks and Countryside Service also have opportunities for tree sponsorship! You can find out more here.
Managing street trees
How often are street trees inspected?
Street trees are checked for safety and condition at least every five years. Some trees will be inspected more frequently. Reactive inspections may also be undertaken when a report of significant concern is made about a tree. Please see Sheffield City Council’s Street Tree Guidelines for more information.
When is routine street tree maintenance carried out?
Routine street tree maintenance takes place for a number of reasons. Please see Sheffield City Council’s Street Tree Guidelines for more information.
When are pruning works carried out on street trees?
If considered necessary following a tree inspection, pruning work will be carried out. Please see Sheffield City Council’s Street Tree Guidelines for more information.
How can I find out more about what street tree work is and isn’t carried out?
There is lots of information available on this subject in Sheffield City Council’s Street Tree Guidelines document.
Miscellaneous
What should I do if I see a problem with a street tree?
You can report a problem with a street tree here.
Can I attach a bird or bat box to a highway tree?
No, members of the public should not attach bird or bat boxes to highway trees as this may prevent essential safety or pruning works. Please see Sheffield City Council’s Street Tree Guidelines for more information.
If we haven’t answered your question, feel free to contact us
Caring for Street Trees
We want people of all ages, across all of our communities, to get involved in caring for and valuing street trees. This will help to improve our shared understanding and raise awareness of the benefits and challenges that come from managing street trees.