NEWS | Tree selection process for city centre planting gets underway

136 native semi-mature trees have been individually selected and tagged at a UK leading nursery in Hampshire.

Hillier Trees Ltd based in Liss, Hampshire is a family run business, spans 800 acres spread across numerous sites and dates back to 1840. They grow 750,000 trees a year supplying a number of prestigious projects including the Millennium Dome, Olympic Park and the Scottish Parliament.

A wide range of species have been selected to enhance biodiversity and air quality throughout the city centre and immediate surrounding areas. The species include Acer campestre, Betula pendula, Prunus padus, Ginko bilboa and three separate varieties of Ulmus (Elms) all of which are certified as resistant to Dutch elm disease.

Prior to the visit, a list of species is sent to the nursery from Gavin Jones, Landscape Sub Contractor who liaises with the nursery making sure they can meet the requirements.

Landscape Architect, Liam Haggarty from Southern Green inspects the available trees and species, checking the condition, form, height, girth of stem, and overall quality.

Once happy with all aspects and quality criteria, each tree is then tagged with an individually numbered tamper proof ID tag to reserve each specific tree and ensure that the exact trees that are selected can be identified and checked off at the delivery stage. The ID tag an numbering system also ensures that each specific tree is planted in the right place in Hull once they have been delivered.

Liam Haggarty, Landscape Architect at Southern Green said: "Hand selecting individual trees is a hugely important part of any landscape design project, to ensure each tree is not only provided in line with the written specification, but also to ensure its shape, form and quality meet the expectations of the designer that is responsible for the overall vision of any given project, as well as the client.

"Trees are typically the feature within most landscape design projects that will outlast all other aspects that surround them, and as they grow will dramatically change the environment that they are in throughout that time frame. Ensuring the right tree is selected for the right location is fundamental to the success of any project, not only when the trees are planted but for generations to come."

Ricky Whiteman, from Landscape Sub Contractor - Gavin Jones, said: “This was my first visit to Hillier to tag UK grown trees, what can I say, the stock was fantastic, tagging trees is highly important and often gets overlooked, the care Hull City Council are taking regarding this project is impressive.

"I really can’t wait to see the trees planted on site and see them grown for years to come.”

Now, the trees have been tagged and selected, they will be lifted out of the ground immediately prior to transportation to Hull. Once they arrive in Hull, Landscaping Contractor, Gavin Jones will plant the trees in the identified location, ensuring each tree is planted in the right location to ensure it has the best opportunity to thrive.

Following completion of the planting, Gavin Jones will maintain all of the new trees for 36months to ensure they successfully establish. Following the initial maintenance period, the responsibility for ongoing management and maintenance will transfer to Hull City Council in perpetuity.