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The Root Cause

Getting to the root of why trees are vital to homebuyers, communities and housebuilders

The Root Cause campaign graphic

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.

A survey of new home buyers

The key facts

More 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.

believe having trees and greenery near their homes is important

94%

believe housebuilders could do more to preserve greenery

93%

said it was important that local councils enforced tree protection regulations in new housing developments

92%

said they would be discouraged from buying a property on a development lacking greenery or trees

69%
Tree

Regional differences emerged in housing priorities

The 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:

  • 81% of respondents in the South East felt that current housing projects lack sufficient green space and trees
  • 89% in the East Midlands said it was important the benefits of trees were considered in meeting the government’s 1.5m homes target
  • 90% in Yorkshire and The Humber region believe housebuilders could do more to preserve greenery
  • 89% of those in Scotland found greenery or proximity to trees had a positive impact on their mental health

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.

Trees and greenery in an urban setting

What our tree preservation survey results mean

The 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:

  • 81% of people said they would be more inclined to choose a housebuilder that prioritises the protection of trees and greenery over one which doesn’t
  • 73% said there was ‘too little’ green space and trees in current housing developments

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.”

Our findings include

Of people said they would be more inclined to choose a housebuilder that prioritises the protection of trees and greenery over one which doesn’t

81%

said there was ‘too little’ green space and trees in the current housing developments

73%

Why Planting Alone Isn’t Enough

Newly planted trees on a new build development

Protect first, plant later

Tree 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:

  • Protect first – integrate existing trees into site design and safeguard them during construction.
  • Plant later – use new planting to complement, not replace, retained stock. Retention delivers instant value. Planting alone is a promise for the future.

ProtectaWeb prevents damage to tree roots

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.

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.

Tree

Amazing benefits of established trees

Pollution, 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 change

Trees 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 biodiversity

From 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 flooding

Trees 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 areas

Leaves 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 wellbeing

Spending 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 values

Homes 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 developments

Connecting 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: -

  • Exposure to green spaces has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure, helping our bodies relax and encouraging a sense of calm
  • Time spent in natural environments can slow the heart rate, signalling to the body that it’s safe to rest and recover from daily stress
  • Regular contact with nature lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety
  • The fresh, oxygen-rich air in wooded or green areas enhances brain function, lifts mental fog, and helps us feel more refreshed and mentally recharged.
Arial view of construction and machinery taking place near trees

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:

  • Building too close to tree trunks
  • Compaction issues from storing building materials above the root protection area
  • Creating impermeable surfaces above tree roots
  • Removing soil and exposing roots, leaving them vulnerable to damage and drying out
  • Poorly designed tree protection measures
  • Root severance and disturbance during excavation and trenching
  • Soil contamination through chemical spills
  • Redirecting water flow, leaving trees too dry or wet

What can local authorities and the construction sector do to protect established trees

Housebuilders:

  • Carry out tree surveys to identify species that need to be removed or relocated - and recommend how to preserve the health of any remaining trees
  • Install fencing to protect the tree root area and prevent workers and vehicles from causing damage
  • Install soil compaction mitigation measures before heavy construction machinery is on site
  • Install tree root protection barriers to keep the tree free from invasive roots and tackle excessive moisture - and prevent damage to nearby buildings
  • Commit to nature-enhancing measures (nearly half of the nature-friendly enhancements promised by developers building new homes have failed to materialise, according to a study of almost 6,000 new houses)

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 down
  • Topping
  • Lopping
  • Uprooting
  • Wilful damage
  • Wilful destruction

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.

Established trees and greenery in a new build housing development

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.

  • Trees thrive when they have healthy and adequate rooting space to allow them to grow.
  • Using a tree root protection system is a reliable method of protecting a tree’s roots from damage caused by construction works or other ground disturbance.
  • A no-dig solution avoids mechanical damage to the roots. It also prevents harmful soil compaction and provides roots with an increased water and oxygen supply.
Contact us

Contact us

Whether you are looking for live project support or are in the initial stages of specification, we are always on hand and happy to help. Alternatively call us on 01543 440 480.