RESIDENTS in Newark and Sherwood will next week join in a mass planting scheme to grow more than 3,000 new trees across the district.

1,800 residents who applied for free rowan or crab apple trees as part of the district council’s free tree initiative will collect their trees from selected locations across the district.

Newark and Sherwood District Council launched the scheme last month as part of its strategy to protect, promote and enhance the natural environment.

Applicants can collect their trees from location that they requested on the dates below:

Saturday, November 23
Sconce and Devon Park, Newark 10.30am to 1pm
Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone 10.30am to 1pm

Saturday, November 30
War Memorial Park, Southwell 10.30am to 1pm
Yew Tree Road Park, Ollerton 10.30am to 1pm

Phil Beard, council business manager for parks and open spaces, said: “The take-up for the free trees has been fantastic. We are delighted that so many residents want to join us in making communities more attractive, greener places to live and we look forward to meeting everyone on the collection days.

“Trees are vital in the fight against climate change. They help to improve the quality of our air, cool the warming planet, reduce flood risks as well as absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By increasing the number of trees in the district, we are also assisting the government in meeting its crucial target of planting 11 million trees between now and 2022.”

The district council’s parks and open spaces team has given some basic tree planting advice below:

Treat the trees gently, as rough handling or being dropped can shock the roots, and it will take the trees longer to get established.

When you get your trees home, store them somewhere cool, outside. Do not let the roots dry out, so keep them covered. They should be planted within a couple of weeks of receiving them.

If you have a small garden or patio you can put each in a large pot permanently. The size of the pot will determine how big the tree gets, as once the roots have filled the pot the tree will stop growing. If you put your pot over soil, the roots will grow down through holes at the bottom of the pot into the ground so do be careful.

If planting directly into the ground, check distance from your own and your neighbour’s property
Make sure your hole is big enough for all the roots to fit in comfortably and once planted, press the soil down firmly around the stem, making sure the roots are fully covered but that all of the stem is above the soil level

Recommended minimum planting distance from buildings:

Rowan: 8-10 metres from buildings
Crab Apple: 5-7 metres from buildings
OR as close as you want if you plant them in a large pot on a paved area!

Crab Apple are medium-sized trees that grow to a height of around 12 metres. White flowers open in clusters during April and May, followed by small hard edible fruits during autumn. The apples are too sour to eat raw, but they can be made into jelly.

Rowan trees also grow to around 12 metres. Creamy white flowers open in clusters in May and June, followed by red berries and an attractive leaf colour in autumn. The berries can be used to make Rowan jelly and are a favourite food for birds.

The free tree scheme has also been extended to parish councils across the district who can apply for up to 50 oak, silver birch, rowan, hawthorn or field maple trees. The parish council must propose the location, provided they have permission to use the site and confirm that they will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the trees.

Community planting projects are also under way involving local groups and businesses, including Newark Castle Rotary Club and Newark-based food company Bakkavor.

The scheme is being supported by Crowders Nurseries, a wholesale grower of native and ornamental trees, shrubs and all hardy plants.