There are so many ways that trees play a vital role in our lives - from boosting our health and wellbeing to reducing noise pollution and cleaning our air. But the UK’s wildlife habitats are facing increasing threats from factors including climate change, pollution and deforestation, as well as imported pests and diseases. We believe it’s more crucial than ever to nurture these important assets in our communities. A major threat is the development of the built environment - the UK needs more housing and infrastructure, but trees can be extremely vulnerable to this human impact. It’s not just felling, but construction that itself can impact root development, leading to trees dying. More than 1,000 irreplaceable ancient woods have been threatened by development over the last 10 years, according to the Woodland Trust. We commissioned wide-ranging research to understand why trees are so important to people, especially homebuyers. Many want to live in neighbourhoods that prioritise green spaces and tree-lined streets, and we wanted to get to the root cause. As part of our new tree root protection campaign, we surveyed 2,000 potential homebuyers. The results were striking and reveal a growing public demand for sustainable development. The survey is the centrepiece of our drive to raise awareness of the need to balance development with sustainability. The numbers behind Root CauseWe all know trees are valuable, but the hard figures show just how much difference an established tree makes to people, places and infrastructure. From cooling streets to absorbing stormwater, the benefits are immediate and measurable. Here are some of the stats that put it into perspective.
Regional differences emerged in housing prioritiesThe survey highlighted notable regional variations in attitudes toward greenery and housing plans. Respondents in areas with high-density housing targets, such as the South East and Greater London, expressed the strongest preferences for preserving trees in their communities. The results included:
Interestingly, there was a focus on greenery in areas where new housing targets are driving rapid development. The survey aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) goals, highlighting the importance of incorporating natural elements in urban planning. 
What our tree preservation survey results meanThe findings highlight a growing public demand for sustainable practices in the housing sector, with 93% of people agreeing that housebuilders could do more when it comes to preserving greenery. The findings suggest that housing developers can enhance their appeal by prioritising the integration of green spaces into their projects, particularly in regions experiencing intense urbanisation pressures. Despite recent turbulent times in the construction industry, the sector is expected to bounce back with growth of around 8% in 2025, as well as further potential for 10% growth in 2026, says industry forecast specialists Glenigan. The housing sector will be a key driver of the recovery, not least with the government’s pledge to build 1.5m new homes within the next five years to tackle England’s housing shortage. While this is a confidence boost for developers, this potential growth must also be achieved hand-in-hand with sustainability goals. Firms will need to take notice of the environmental impact that new developments have - and the solutions needed to safeguard natural landscapes. Our findings included:
David Fisher, head of geosynthetic sales at Geoworks, said: “These findings reinforce the value of environmentally conscious construction practices. As housing demands grow, it’s vital that we balance development with sustainability, ensuring our natural environment is preserved for future generations.” A survey of new home buyersThe key factsMore than 80% of UK homebuyers would prefer to purchase from housebuilders who prioritise tree and greenery preservation - one of the standout figures from our survey of more than 2,000 people.
Why Planting Alone Isn’t Enough
Protect first, plant laterTree planting often looks like the answer to urban development pressures. But the reality is that planting new saplings cannot replace the role of established trees. Mature trees are living infrastructure. From day one they provide cooling, intercept rainfall, reinforce soils, and support biodiversity. A single established tree can reduce local air temperature by up to 8°C, intercept hundreds of litres of rainwater during a storm, and bind soil in ways no young tree can. By contrast, most replacement planting struggles. Even with aftercare, only 20-30% of newly planted trees survive to maturity. Those that do will still take decades before they deliver comparable canopy cover, water management, or soil reinforcement. In the meantime, we lose the immediate environmental and infrastructure value that established trees provide. That’s why the Root Cause campaign promotes:
ProtectaWeb prevents damage to tree rootsWhether you're building pathways, roads, car parks or lorry parks, ProtectaWeb provides reliable tree root protection in all types of soil, without any digging required. Whether you're building pathways, roads, car parks or lorry parks, ProtectaWeb provides reliable tree root protection in all types of soil, without any digging required. The system is simply placed on the existing ground, filled and finished with a porous surface. The cells are filled with a clean angular stone which allows drainage and aeration through the cells. Perforated cell walls provide drainage, minimising hydrostatic build-up while ensuring the maximum supply of water to the tree roots, even when installed on a gradient. Register your interest to attend our free CPD course Root Cause: Building Homes, Protecting Trees. Register now
Amazing benefits of established treesPollution, climate change and deforestation are all taking their toll on our environment, a survey from the woodland trust stated that 58% of people said they were ‘familiar’ with deforestation - but our ‘superhero’ trees could be part of the solution, says the Woodland Trust. The UK lost 114,000 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2023, according to figures by Global Forest Watch. This equates to a 7.5% decrease in tree cover. Worryingly, some of this tree cover is ancient, or more than 400 years old. A report by the Woodland Trust in 2021 said the drive to create new woodlands was important but would count for little if existing woods are lost. The rates of tree planting are nowhere near what is needed and less than half of the new trees are native species. It said more needs to be done to protect and expand our woods and trees, particularly in enabling native trees to become a source of widespread nature recovery. Native trees have evolved alongside UK wildlife for thousands of years, providing habitats and essential food for insects, birds and mammals. Native species include the oak tree, considered the most important tree for biodiversity in the UK. Others include birch, ash, rowan, hazel, hawthorn and Scots pine. Tackle climate changeTrees are powerful carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their trunks, roots, and leaves. By helping to lower greenhouse gas levels, they contribute directly and help mitigate the effects of global warming They support biodiversityFrom nesting birds and pollinating insects to fungi and small mammals, trees and green spaces offer vital habitats for a rich variety of species. They form part of essential ecosystems that support complex food chains and natural cycles Play a vital role in reducing floodingTrees and plants intercept rainfall, slow down water flow, and improve soil absorption. In urban areas, this natural drainage reduces the burden on stormwater systems, lowering the risk of flash flooding and water damage Reduce pollution in urban areasLeaves and bark capture airborne pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter. Trees also help cool city environments, reducing the urban heat island effect and improving overall air quality Help our health and wellbeingSpending time in green spaces has been shown to lower stress, reduce anxiety, and promote physical activity. Whether it's a quiet walk or a park visit, nature has proven benefits for both mental and physical health They increase property valuesHomes and businesses located near trees or parks tend to attract higher market values and greater buyer interest. Well-maintained green areas also improve kerb appeal and contribute to more desirable, vibrant communities The benefits of established trees in housing developmentsConnecting with nature is well known for benefitting our physical and mental wellbeing. High-quality natural spaces can create higher biodiversity levels with a variety of plants and wildlife that can help us connect with nature. A report by the Mental Health Foundation found that our relationship with nature is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress. A European study found that people who live in tree-lined streets are less likely to be prescribed anti-depressants. The charitable organisation Trees for Streets says simply that trees make us happy. The benefits include: -
How can trees and wildlife be damaged during construction work?Trees face a myriad of threats to their wellbeing during construction projects, with one of the biggest being the issue of soil compaction. This happens when soil particles are compressed together, reducing the amount of air between them. This then increases the soil’s density and stability and creates a more solid foundation for the ensuing work. This can be compounded by site traffic accessing the area before any tree protection measures are in place. This compaction forces air, minerals and water particles out of the soil - leaving the tree root starved of the vital components needed for its continued good health. Other factors that can cause harm to trees on development sites include:
What can local authorities and the construction sector do to protect established treesHousebuilders:
Local authorities:According to a recent study, 92% said it was important that local councils enforced tree root protection regulations in new housing developments. Therefore, Local authorities can make Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to protect trees in housing developments. An order that prohibits the following without the local planning authority’s prior written consent:
Cutting roots is also a prohibited activity that requires the authority’s consent. Contact your local council and ask to speak to the tree office if you want to obtain a TPO. 
Our campaign - what happens next?Strengthening our commitment to sustainability, we’ve partnered with the Canal and River Trust, supporting the extensive linear tree line across the West Midlands’ canal system through the Great Canal Orchard initiative. This puts our expertise in tree root protection and preservation into direct action. Our collaboration also includes hands-on conservation work through team engagement days, where we will demonstrate how our ‘Root Cause’ campaign extends beyond products to active environmental stewardship. This partnership delivers practical environmental benefits while engaging with local communities through waterway clean-up activities and STEM education programmes, bringing our message of tree protection and environmental care to life along Britain's historic waterways.
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