Residents can now buy trees as gifts to be planted across Glasgow in new council initiative

People can now buy trees as gifts, which will be planted by the council, in public locations such as Alexandra Park, Glasgow Green, and Queens Park.

For £500, residents can purchase a tree as a present, to pay tribute to a lost loved one or celebrate a birth or anniversary.

The council is on a mission to play its part in planting 18 million trees and hedges across the Glasgow City Region by 2030.

Four priority areas need more trees and have been identified as places where more planting should take place.
Bridgeton and Dalmarnock, Govan, Levern and District and Possilpark have been listed in the city’s Tree Plan as neighbourhoods, “which would benefit from more trees.”

Glasgow City Council has launched a new online ‘tree plan portal,’ which allows residents to suggest sites for woodland and wildflowers, look at locations where planting has already taken place and find out information about paying for trees.

A council statement said: “Buying a tree to be planted in the city could be a top choice for your favourite nature lover. It’s the special gift that keeps on giving, as they watch the tree grow.”

It added: “Donating a tree helps to counter tree loss through disease such as Ash Dieback and supports efforts to tackle the climate emergency by adding to Glasgow’s tree canopy.”

Nearly 70,000 trees have been planted across the city since 2018 to 2019 with young saplings added at Cathkin Braes, Tollcross Park, Kings Park, King George V Park and Shannon Street.

Councillor Angus Millar, convener for climate, said: “Woodlands and trees are beneficial for people and the planet. Planting more trees in Glasgow will help reduce air pollution, flooding and soil erosion, as well as providing habitat for a huge range of wildlife, increasing much needed shade as temperatures rise and helping to tackle global warming.

“We are planting trees which will create small urban oases across the city and benefit city residents for years to come and help create a greener, more pleasant Glasgow.

“As we work to expand our tree planting activity across the city, we are always looking for new locations. I’d encourage everyone to have a look at the new portal and maybe suggest a grass verge, green space or park which you think is an ideal location for new tree planting or nectar rich wildflowers.”