Fund4Trees: Championing Urban Tree Health
Now that trees are growing stronger and entering their active growing season, it’s the perfect time to check on young trees and ensure they’re thriving without unnecessary restrictions.
Fund4Trees, a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting sustainable urban treescapes, has launched the #FreeTheTree campaign in collaboration with the Arboricultural Association. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the damaging effects of neglected tree ties on young trees and encourages public involvement in proper tree care.
Why Tree Ties Matter
Tree ties serve a critical purpose early in a tree’s life, offering support against wind and helping them grow upright. But tree ties are not meant to be permanent. If they’re forgotten, they can become embedded as the trunk grows, causing long-term damage or even killing the tree.
The #FreeTheTree campaign is raising awareness about this issue and urging the public and professionals alike to check and remove ties before it’s too late.
The Problem: Strangling Tree Ties
Left unchecked, old tree ties:
Cut into the bark and living tissues of the tree
Restrict the flow of water and nutrients
Create weak points prone to infection or breakage
Can ultimately kill the tree if not removed in time
These issues often go unnoticed until visible damage has already been done, making early action essential.
Campaign Goals
Fund4Trees and the Arboricultural Association launched the #FreeTheTree campaign to:
Raise awareness about the risks of neglected tree ties
Encourage public and professional action to inspect and address tree ties in local areas
Promote shared responsibility in looking after young urban trees
Support local authorities in creating healthier, longer-lived urban treescapes
How You Can Help
You don’t need specialist tools or training. If you come across a tree with a constricting tie, it's recommended that you contact the responsible party – whether that’s a local council, housing association, or private landowner – and inform them of the issue. In some cases, offering assistance in removing the tie can be beneficial.
The Role of Watering in Young Tree Health
Tree ties are just one part of the care that young trees require – watering is just as critical, especially during dry spells. Newly planted trees typically need consistent watering for the first 2–3 years until their root systems are fully established.
How you can help:
Water young trees deeply once or twice a week during dry weather, especially in spring and summer.
Focus water at the base of the tree where roots can absorb it most effectively.
Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds (just keep it away from direct contact with the trunk).
Consider adopting a local street tree and provide regular watering, especially if your area experiences limited rainfall.
Combined with careful attention to tree ties, proper watering ensures young urban trees have the best possible start in life.
Conclusion
By participating in the #FreeTheTree campaign, you can play a vital role in ensuring that urban trees thrive and continue to provide environmental and aesthetic benefits to our communities. Join Fund4Trees in their mission to protect urban trees. Visit Fund4Trees' website to learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved.
If you’d like advice on young tree health or need a professional inspection, get in touch with our team.
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