Where would you like to plant the trees?
The Council have done an initial review of some possible locations. You can see their report here.
If we raise enough money for one or more trees, then we'll make a decision about where to plant, taking everyone's views into account.
We are keen to ensure that everyone is happy with the location of the trees, so if you have an opinion on where you would, or would not, like a tree planted please complete our survey to let us know.
Won't street trees damage pavements, as they have on Harrington Road?
A lot of trees that cause pavement damage in Brighton are large trees, like the London planes of Harrington road, which can grow up to 35m. We are planning to plant smaller trees than this, which have much smaller root systems.
Our trees would also be planted with a root direction system, so that roots grow down rather than spreading along the surface. See here for details of this kind of system.
What will you do with the money if you can't raise enough to pay for a tree?
If we aren't able to raise enough money to plant a tree in 2025, we will keep the money and try and raise more money in 2026 for the next planting season.
If it seems like we still aren't able to raise money for a tree, then we will release any funds raised to CPRE Sussex who will use it to fund a street tree project somewhere else in Brighton.
What kind of trees are you trying to plant?
We haven't decided yet - if you have a species you'd particularly like to see please let us know via our survey.
Here is some guidance on the kinds of trees that are suitable for streets.
As a general rule, we think small/medium sized trees are likely to be more suitable - perhaps similar to the trees on Cornwall gardens.
How will you pay for the trees?
There is no available funding for the council for planting new street trees. So all the money will need to come from private donations.
We're hoping that local residents will be happy to contribute to making their street a more pleasant place to live. We'll also be approaching local businesses to see if they'd like to contribute.
How much does a tree cost? Why so much?
The cost of planting street trees can and does vary. We have been quoted around £2700 per tree.
Much of the cost of planting street trees is tied up with the civil works that need to happen if it is a hard surface site - the digging up of the pavement, building a tree pit etc, resurfacing etc.
The rest of the cost includes the cost of the tree itself, materials, labour as well as tree aftercare. New trees need regular watering and monitoring to ensure they have the best chance at survival and that is all included in the quoted cost.
What happens if we raise the money for a tree, and it dies? Will the council replace it at no extra cost?
The cost of the tree includes aftercare for 3 years so there is the strongest chance of survival. If the trees dies within this time it will be replaced.
If it dies after this time (unforeseen event e.g. disease, accident) then this is up to the council.
Who will own the trees?
Brighton & Hove Council
Who will be liable if the trees cause damage? Say, a branch falling on a car, or roots causing property damage?
Brighton & Hove Council