Communities planting the future

Across the country, volunteers have been planting native species in shared green spaces, school grounds, farms, and gardens. These planting projects may appear modest, but collectively they are helping to grow habitats for wildlife and greener landscapes for future generations.

Why planting trees matters for biodiversity and climate action

Trees play an important role supporting healthy ecosystems. Native species provide food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals, while also helping to improve soil quality and capture carbon from the atmosphere.

Despite this, Ireland has very little woodland compared to other European countries. "Only 2% of the country is covered by native woodland," says Fiona Flynn, who works on environment and climate action initiatives with Tipperary County Council.

For local authorities, supporting tree planting is one practical way to help address this challenge. Councils across Ireland work through climate action plans and biodiversity strategies to protect natural habitats, reduce emissions and manage land more sustainably.

Local authorities supporting community tree planting

Community planting initiatives — like during Tree Week — give people a simple way to get involved. "It's a great way for communities to come together and do something that's practical and fun at the same time," Fiona says.

By planting native trees, communities can create greener spaces in their towns and villages while also supporting wildlife over the long term.

In many counties, local authorities support tree planting initiatives with advice on suitable planting locations and species, helping groups ensure that trees will thrive in the years ahead.

Choosing the right trees for wildlife

According to David Murphy, Tree Officer with Limerick City and County Council, choosing the most appropriate location for planting trees is essential. "It's all about the right tree in the right place," he says. "It's important so that the tree can reach its full size."

As David explains, different trees need different amounts of space to grow properly. Some species, such as Norway maple, can grow very large, up to 30 metres tall. This can eventually lead to problems if they are planted close to buildings. By the time issues crop up people may have grown attached to the tree and this can make removal difficult. Thinking ahead helps avoid these problems.

Where space is not big enough to support a large tree, smaller species like whitethorn, cherry, hazel and rowan might be better suited.

Once they have been planted, how quickly trees grow depends on the species. Alders, for example, grow quite quickly. If you plant a waist-height alder this year you might see it reach five metres in five years' time. But if you plant an oak you might have to wait a good 15 years to see it reach that height.

David also stresses the importance of good planting practice. One of the most common reasons trees fail is because they are planted too deeply, he says. Trees should be planted at the same depth they were growing in the nursery, allowing their roots to settle and spread naturally. This gives them the best chance to survive.

Small actions growing into lasting change

Individually, a single planting project might involve only a few dozen saplings. But across Ireland, hundreds of communities take part each year, creating a growing network of new trees and habitats.