Arboricultural Association expertise shapes parliamentary debate on young tree survival

The Arboricultural Association has successfully helped bring the critical issue of young tree survival to the heart of parliamentary debate, ensuring that attention is focused not just on planting targets, but on long term establishment and care.

Ahead of the Westminster Hall debate on the Protection and Management of Young Trees on Thursday 15 January 2026, Arboricultural Association senior technical officer Emma Gilmartin provided evidence and policy recommendations drawn directly from the association’s long standing work on young tree establishment, aftercare and standards.

During the debate, Alex Mayer MP echoed many of the association’s key messages, asking why so many young trees fail, and what needs to change to improve outcomes on the ground. She highlighted the importance of aftercare in early years, including watering, mulching and formative pruning, and called for better national data, clearer accountability and mandatory three to five year aftercare plans linked to planning permission, grants and public contracts.

She also referenced the recent industry led study by Fund4Trees, questioned how planning conditions relating to aftercare can be better enforced, and whether a new Trees Action Plan for England will embed expertise and best practice across government departments. Climate resilient species selection and the need for stronger domestic tree supply chains were also raised, reflecting recommendations made in the Strong Roots report.

Responding on behalf of the government the Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh, set out current investment in woodland creation, maintenance funding and research into tree mortality, and confirmed that best practice establishment and aftercare will be central to future policy development.

Reflecting on the debate, Emma Gilmartin welcomed the support shown by Alex Mayer MP but highlighted the need for greater clarity and accountability around trees outside woodlands.

‘We are very grateful to Alex Mayer for her support and for putting our concerns on the parliamentary record. What we didn’t hear from Mary Creagh is a specific reference to arboriculture and trees outside of woodlands. We hoped for at least a commitment to publish data on the outcomes of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund and the Local Authority Treescapes Fund. We must see beyond the planting numbers to build public trust, prevent greenwashing and improve future programme design.’

The debate marks an important moment for the industry. For the Arboricultural Association, it demonstrates how consistent, evidence- ed campaigning backed by technical and practical guidance can influence national conversations and ensure that tree planting is matched by the care needed for trees to thrive.

As tree planting accelerates across the UK, the association will continue working with policymakers to champion a simple but vital message: planting a tree is just the beginning; establishment is what delivers lasting benefits.

The Arboricultural Association would like to thank Fund4Trees, for its ongoing efforts to highlight and fund research into many of these issues. Most recently, a full scale study into the success of urban tree planting in England, by Daisy Brasington.