Tree pit gardens

Planting around the base of a tree - known as tree pit gardens - supports a range of plants that provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife. These ‘wildlife corridors’ provide stop-off points for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators to feed and shelter as they move between green spaces around the borough. Tree pit gardens also make our streets look more attractive.

Many residents already plant in tree pits and create beautiful displays that attract wildlife. Our annual gardening competition, Islington In Bloom, has a category dedicated to tree pit gardens.

If you're interested in making and maintaining a tree pit garden, read our guidance.

This includes information on:

• how to register your tree pit garden (so our teams know not to spray weedkiller on it)
• guidance on the most suitable plants and flowers that won’t damage the tree roots
• how to ensure the tree pit doesn’t affect the accessibility of the street and cause obstructions to pedestrians. 

We are also establishing a community weeding scheme to help reduce the need for chemical weedkillers. More information to come soon.

How to become a tree pit keeper

Register your tree pit

Follow the tree pit guidance and register your tree pit. This tells our road maintenance crews and street sweepers not to use weedkiller on your tree pit garden.

Fill in this short form. You will need to state the exact location of your tree pit garden. Read the guidance on this page carefully as you must agree to it when you register.

Register a tree pit

If you require a paper copy of this form, email us at TreeService@islingtion.gov.uk. 

Agree to the commitment as a tree pit keeper

You will take responsibility for maintenance of the tree pit garden including:

• tending to plants
• weeding the pit
• managing any plant growth into the footpath or highway to keep it safe and clear for everyone passing by, especially vulnerable people and those using a wheelchair or pushing a buggy.

Look after the tree

The health of the tree is our top priority. It is the centrepiece of your tree pit garden, and although they may look sturdy and secure, some trees may be vulnerable. To make sure of the health of the tree: 

• be careful when digging around the base of the tree so you don’t damage the roots 
• don't raise the soil level – the roots need to be near the surface and don’t cope well when you add more soil or mulch 
• be aware of the types of plants you’re introducing to ensure they are suitable and healthy
• don't use any chemical feed
• keep your tools clean.

Do not plant around new trees

New trees are those planted less than three years ago. These will have a wooden stake attached and a cage around it. New trees are particularly vulnerable. If you would like to help to look after new trees, find out more about how much water they need during dry days.

Don't plant around new trees until they are well established, after around three years. If you are unsure how old your local tree is, email us at TreeService@islington.gov.uk.

Tag your tree

Attach a band of red ribbon at least 15mm wide around the tree trunk. This is to help our teams identify that the tree pit has been adopted. Check your ribbon regularly in case you need to replace it.

Think about design

We inspect trees regularly and will need access to the base of them. Keep some distance between your plants and avoid species that will compete with the tree or may need frequent pruning.

Choose your plants carefully

You must know the risks of introducing plants that could be invasive or might have viruses, bacteria or pests that could harm people, animals or other plants.

Some invasive plants to avoid are listed on GOV.UK website.

Don't add extra materials or soil

Only add plants to the tree pit. Do not add:

• soil
• chemicals or feeds
• plant pots
• raised edging - this can cause a trip hazard for people walking by.

We may be able to install edging onto a tree pit garden if it is in a suitable location. Find out more by asking us by email at: TreeService@islington.gov.uk.

Use the correct hand tools safely

We recommend using plastic or wooden tools where needed. Use hand tools only so the tree roots don’t get damaged. Make sure you are using any tools safely and correctly.

Our commitments

We work to maintain the borough and make it enjoyable for all. These are our commitments to you about works that may affect tree pit gardens.

• Plants and trees are seasonal and do not always thrive in the city, but we will help how we can.
• We will do our best to make sure that any plants are not damaged by routine maintenance or tree work.
• We will contact you if plants obstruct the pavement, as we have a duty to keep the pavement clear.
• If we must fell a tree, we may need to remove plants growing in the tree pit. We cannot compensate you for the loss of any decorative attachments, items or plants during maintenance works.

If you have any more questions or comments, contact us on TreeService@islington.gov.uk.