New trees can be funded through the locality budget. This budget must cover the full cost of supply, planting, maintenance, and aftercare for a minimum period of two years.
All requests for tree planting must be discussed with Paul Cook and the Tree Team no later than Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Please note that while tree planting can take place on Colchester City Council (CCC) and Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) land, we are not permitted to plant trees on public footpaths or grass verges that fall under the responsibility of Essex Highways.
Costs
The current costs for tree planting and two years of aftercare are outlined below:
- Supply and planting of one select standard tree (10–12 cm girth, approximately 9–11 feet in height): £200
- Aftercare and maintenance for the following two years (including watering, checking stakes and ties, and annual inspection): £150 per year
The total cost for supply, planting, and two years of aftercare is therefore £500 per tree.
Planting period
Trees will be planted during the standard planting season, from November to March.
Ongoing Care
Councillors are encouraged to identify a parish council, friends’ group, or local charity to take on responsibility for the tree once the initial two-year maintenance period has ended.
Where possible, consideration should also be given to planting trees in locations already supported by established friend’s groups, such as community forestry areas, to help ensure long-term care and sustainability.