Why Are Roadside Trees Dropping Like Flies and How to Save Them?

The A14 is a major road in Cambridgeshire, England, and after it was upgraded, a huge number of trees and shrubs were planted along its sides. The goal was to improve the environment, replace trees that were removed during construction, and make the road look more attractive. In total, about 860,000 saplings were planted between Cambridge and the A1, and later, another 165,000 trees and shrubs were added. However, many of these trees have died, raising questions about why this happened and what can be done to fix it.

Trees are planted along major roads for several reasons. They help reduce noise from traffic, provide homes for wildlife, and make the landscape more pleasant. When the A14 was rerouted, many mature trees had to be cut down, so new ones were planted to make up for the loss. According to Neil Davies from the Arboricultural Association, trees along highways serve as a visual screen, help with noise reduction, and connect different habitats. They are an important part of the environment and the local ecosystem.

Despite these benefits, the tree planting along the A14 has not been very successful. About 30% of the first group of saplings died, even though they were replanted. One reason is that the trees were planted in the spring, which is not the best time for young trees to take root. Hot summers and droughts also made it hard for the trees to survive. This problem is not unique to the A14; other organizations, like the National Trust, have also lost many trees due to dry weather.

There are several reasons why young trees might not survive. They need to be planted in the right place, with the right kind of soil, and they need to be cared for after planting. Some trees do better in wet areas, while others need dry or sheltered spots. If the ground is too hard or full of construction debris, the roots cannot grow properly. Young trees also need protection from animals like deer and rabbits, and they need to be watered during dry spells. Experts recommend that new trees should be watered regularly for the first three years.

To improve the success rate, National Highways is trying new methods. They will use special soil treatments to help the trees keep moisture, add fertilizer for extra nutrients, and put down mulch mats to stop weeds and keep the soil damp. Neil Davies says it is good to try new things and see what works best. He also points out that in some countries, contracts for tree planting include several years of aftercare to make sure the trees survive. In the UK, the focus is often on planting as many trees as possible for the lowest cost, but not enough on looking after them.

The main lesson is that planting trees is not just about putting them in the ground. It is also about choosing the right trees, preparing the site properly, and making sure the trees are cared for after planting. If these steps are followed, more trees will survive and the benefits for the environment and local communities will be much greater.