A tree is a forestry plant. As soon as we forget this simple fact we are likely to make mistakes when planting trees in town and city environments.

A tree in a beautiful woodland setting has near perfect conditions; a sheltered microclimate; rich fertile soil with an abundance of nutrients and humus; un-compacted leaf mould; and rich rooting volume with plenty of moisture and pore space.

Now spare a thought for the tree in the town: a harsh paved surround; increasing microclimate temperatures and reflecting glare; exposure to wind; de-icing salt and gratuitous vandalism. Below ground, an equally hostile environment of compacted soils; lack of quality, rootable volume; competition for space with multiple utilities; and if you do manage to spread your root system someone will mutilate it through trenching or pavement reinstatement.

With these factors in mind we can begin the process of successfully integrating trees in built up areas. By protecting them above and below ground, managing and providing for their delicate root systems, we can recreate optimum conditions for our trees to establish. We cannot recreate entirely the conditions trees enjoy in woodlands, but we can go a huge distance in improving their chances of thriving in challenging urban conditions by employing tree literate design.