Middlesbrough's Tree Canopy: Planting Is Only Half the Story

Middlesbrough's tree canopy currently covers around 11.8% of the city. By comparison, the average across England is 16%. To reach that level, we would need to plant trees across an area roughly the size of 30 football pitches. But planting is only half the story. Across England, ambitious tree planting schemes have been severely impacted by drought, with hundreds of thousands of saplings dying due to lack of water and poor planning for environmental conditions (The Guardian, 2023). This is not just a national problem, it's playing out in our own city.

Local reports have highlighted concerns over tree felling and poor survival rates of newly planted trees in Middlesbrough, with community groups pointing to inadequate protection and follow-up care (Teesside Live). Too often, trees are planted with great fanfare, then left to fend for themselves against vandalism, drought, and environmental stress.

Research bears this out. Studies on urban tree planting in UK cities consistently show that without proper site preparation, protection (like tree guards and regular watering), and ongoing maintenance, survival rates drop significantly. It is not enough to count how many trees go in the ground, we need to count how many survive to maturity.

Why does this matter? Trees are essential infrastructure. They absorb CO₂, filter air pollution, reduce flood risk, provide shade, support wildlife, and improve mental wellbeing. Every tree lost is a missed opportunity for public health and climate resilience.

The Council's Green Strategy sets a target to increase tree canopy to the national average. A programme backed by Forestry Commission funding aimed to plant 10,000 trees, with hundreds already in the ground as of 2020. But the real work begins after planting.

At BORO Doughnut CIC, we see this data as both a baseline and a call to action. It raises important questions: How many of those planted trees are still alive? Which wards have the lowest cover? Are new developments contributing their share and following through on maintenance? How can communities get involved in protecting and nurturing young trees?

Because a thriving city needs trees. Planting them is good but looking after them is our collective effort.