TERMS & CONDITIONS
Important Info for the Lewisham Residential Programme
Trees
All street trees remain the property of Lewisham Council (LBL), which also retains liability for them.
Sites and Species
Where possible Street Trees for Living (STfL) and LBL will work with Area Reps, Street Reps and Sponsors to plant trees chosen by residents in sites chosen by residents. However, LBL retains the final decision on species and location and remains the owner of pavements and trees. Changes might be made in order to avoid species and locations that could ultimately result in damage, and to ensure that we’re planting “the right tree, in the right location, for the right reason”. Despite best efforts, it is not always possible to meet resident requests and changes might be made even late in the planting cycle, at which point, for logistical reasons, the negotiation of alternative sites or species will not be possible. If a species is changed or if a site is marginally modified (up to two metres either side of the original location), a return of donation will not be possible. If a tree is not planted (due to utilities etc.), STfL will work with the sponsor to find an alternative site the following planting season. In the event that a new planting is not possible a return of donation will be offered.
Consultation
It is the responsibility of Sponsors to secure where possible residents' acceptance and welcome of any tree to be planted outside a property, and ‘welcome’ forms must be submitted before a tree can be ordered. The final decision regarding the siting of trees on public highways sits with LBL, which owns the highways and has overall responsibility for street trees in Lewisham.
Planting
Planting is at the discretion of LBL. Planting is undertaken by council-appointed contractors and takes place during planting season which runs approximately November to March. Trees might be planted at any point during the season and owing to the practicalities of contractor schedules and nursery supplies, it is not possible to give sponsors an exact planting schedule in advance.
Watering
As part of their sponsorship, STfL asks that Sponsors and Street Reps act as or nominate a Tree Guardian who commits to watering the new street tree for the first three years after planting, from March through to October, as set out on our website, and to engage as required with email watering reminders. STfL also asks that trees be given a one-off watering-in as soon as they are planted. Tree Guardians should also provide extra watering if required, contact STfL straightaway if a tree is not thriving, and let us know if they are no longer able to continue as a Tree Guardian (e.g., in the event of moving away).
Audit
STfL also asks that Sponsors / Street Reps / Tree Guardians make a commitment to audit trees for the first three years after planting. A simple form, including a short questionnaire and a link to upload photos, will be sent once a year by email and should take only a few minutes to complete. The audit is designed to check on the health of trees and to identify any issues so that the correct care be given as soon as possible.
Maintenance
Maintenance of street trees is shared between LBL and STfL for several years after planting. Trained STfL volunteers and contractors aim to carry out minor care work (pruning, weeding, firming stakes etc) during the first three years after planting. STfL will endeavour to let Sponsors / Street Reps / Tree Guardians know when a tree care session is taking place on their street and would welcome their involvement. However, care work may be carried out without prior notice.
As part of the role of Tree Guardian, STfL encourages Sponsors / Street Reps / Tree Guardians to take on light maintenance responsibilities such as weeding, feeding and topping up mulch. STfL can provide training and support with this. Please report any serious issues or concerns via the STfL website or QR codes on tree labels.
Guarantee
Where possible, new street trees will be guaranteed by LBL for two years against failure or extreme cases of vandalism or damage, provided watering is carried out as agreed and any problem alerted to STfL as soon as it is noticed. As a more sustainable approach, it is current policy to attempt to revive and regrow damaged or vandalised trees before any potential replacement is considered. As with any new planting, final decision rests with LBL.
Payment
Donations are made towards STfL’s tree-planting programme. Any donations received over and above those necessary to complete the project will be applied towards the general charitable purposes of STfL.
Donations are not payable until proposed planting locations have been approved by LBL. Donations are payable to STfL in a single BACS payment per tree, or group of trees, unless arranged otherwise.
Please send payment by BACS to our account on receipt of a donation request.
Account Name: Street Trees for Living
Account Number: 00032915
Sort Code: 40-52-40
Bank: CAF Bank
Please note: Occasionally high street banks do not recognise this charity bank but they are correct, so please proceed with payment.
Please add a Gift Aid declaration if appropriate. If you are a UK taxpayer this will cost you nothing but will enable STfL to claim back 25p in every £1.
Payment to STfL indicates acknowledgment of and compliance with the terms and conditions.
Terms and conditions are reviewed annually