Between 2010 and 2018 around 15 million trees were planted with government funding. However, the committee for Climate Change (CCC) said that this was not enough in order to reach its 2050 target.
What is the CCC & what is the 2050 target?
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) is made up of experts in science, economics, and business. Although 15 million trees were planted over an 8 year period, the CCC explained that if every household in the UK with a garden planted just two trees, it would cover only 3% of the 2050 target. The CCC has also said that to increase woodland cover by 4% to meet its 2050 net-zero carbon target. This means planting around 1.5 billion new trees.
Planting trees helps fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Back in 2019, Ethiopia broke records by planting 350 million trees in just 12 hours. They had a wider goal of planting 4 billion trees between May and October of the same year.
Bare Root Planting
Planting smaller trees, such as bare root plants, will help to reach the 2050 target faster and at a lower cost. Bare root plants cost less than container-grown trees because they are lifted without soil around their roots. They are available during dormancy, usually from November to March. Using the right accessories when planting will also help to protect them from deer and other wildlife.
Read More:
1. Tree Care Tips: How to plant, water and maintain your trees
2. Pleached Photinia Red Robin: A Stunning Screening Solution
3. What trees are best for new build gardens?