The benefits of large species trees in urban landscapes: a costing, design and management guide

The UK's urban trees are special and have played an important role in combating the effects of growing urbanisation for many years. It is impossible to imagine towns and cities without them, yet they are in decline. This guide is intended to encourage action to reverse this trend. While all trees are beneficial to an urban environment, larger species are particularly significant as the most important single elements of urban green infrastructure (GI). Large species trees convey the greatest financial, social and environmental benefits, and make a fundamental contribution to the well-being of almost 80 per cent of the UK population. This guide aims to highlight the vital importance of large species trees, including the retention and enhancement of existing trees and carrying out of new plantings in streets, squares and parks for new and existing developments.