How to get a tree planted outside your home, how EETAB can support you, and why more trees are good for everyone.
Street trees clean our air, provide shade during hot summers, reduce local flood risks by absorbing rainwater, and make our neighbourhoods beautiful places to walk and live.
While EETAB advocates for a greener borough, Surrey County Council (SCC) owns the highways and pavements, so all requests for street trees must go through them.
If you want a tree planted outside your house or on your local grass verge, this page will guide you through the requirements and application process.
1
Check whether your verge is suitable
The land outside your home needs to be a grass verge — and have enough space for a tree to grow without interfering with services underground or overhead lines above. Walk your street and look for gaps. Keep an eye out for old, empty tree pits or patches of mismatched pavement where a tree might have stood previously—SCC often looks favourably on “replacement” locations. SCC will assess the space as part of the process, so don’t be put off if you’re unsure.
2
Submit a request to Surrey County Council
Use SCC’s online form to register your interest. Applications can be made directly online by any resident. You’ll be asked for your address, the location where you’d like a tree planted, and whether neighbouring residents support the idea. A note of support from your neighbours strengthens the application — it helps SCC prioritise sites.
Cost: SCC will assess whether they can fund the planting via local treescape grants. (Note: SCC charges a small, non-refundable application fee to cover the engineer’s on-site utility survey).
Where to Apply: Use the official portal via the link below.
3
SCC assess the site
SCC’s arboriculture team will check for underground utilities, visibility splays, and whether the site meets their criteria. They may visit in person or assess remotely. If a site isn’t suitable, they’ll usually explain why — and it’s sometimes possible to suggest an alternative nearby location.
4
Trees are planted in the winter months
If approved, an SCC-authorised contractor will plant the tree during the dormant winter planting season (between November and March). Because tree stocks must be secured from nurseries early, applications are best submitted well in advance.
5
Help your new tree get established
Young street trees need watering in their first few summers — particularly during dry spells. SCC may ask you to help with this as part of agreeing to the planting. EETAB’s summer watering network can help connect you with other volunteers doing the same.
Opens Surrey County Council’s online request form
How EETAB can help
EETAB doesn’t plant street trees — that’s Surrey County Council’s responsibility. We work alongside residents and the council to make more planting happen, and to give newly planted trees the best chance of survival.
Advice on making your application
Unsure if your pavement is wide enough? How to put in an application with the best chance of success?
EETAB can help residents navigate the process. We can visit your street, help you evaluate potential tree pits, and offer tips to give your application the best chance of success.
Watering your tree
We can also connect you with EETAB’s summer watering support group.
We are always grateful to volunteer waterers who check on young trees during dry periods, when they are most vulnerable.
Have a question about getting a tree planted?
We’re happy to help. Drop us a message and a volunteer will get back to you.
Why street trees matter
Suburban streets without trees can be exposed, warm, and ecologically sparse. .
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Cooling streets in summer
Tree canopy shade can reduce surface temperatures by several degrees on hot days. As summers in the south-east become warmer, shaded streets become a genuine public health asset — particularly for elderly residents and young children.
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Cleaner air
Trees absorb fine particulates and intercept pollution from passing traffic. Streets near main roads benefit most. Even young trees begin filtering air within a few years of planting.
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Managing rainfall
Tree roots and canopy slow the movement of rainwater into drains, reducing localised flooding risk. In built-up areas with a high proportion of hard surfaces, street trees are one of the most effective tools for managing surface water.
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Supporting wildlife
A single mature street tree can support hundreds of invertebrate species, and provides nesting and foraging habitat for birds. Native species such as hawthorn, rowan and cherry are particularly valuable. Even ornamental trees play a role in creating green corridors through suburban streets.
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Wellbeing and sense of place
Research consistently shows that access to trees and greenery improves mental health and reduces stress. Tree-lined streets feel safer and more welcoming and help make neighbourhoods more liveable and healthier places to live and work.