As part of our ambition to become a nature positive city and to celebrate Portsmouth 100, Portsmouth City Council have teamed up with Hilliers to offer trees at a reduced cost for residents to plant in their gardens.
This offer gives you savings of up to 35% compared to garden centre prices. Suitable tree species for Portsmouth gardens have been selected including –
- Lucas Hornbeam – a tree with a narrow width ideal for small gardens and only reaching 2.5 m wide after 25 years
- Flowering Crab – a small tree that provides fruit for wildlife
- Ornamental pear – a tree which provides blossom to support pollinators
Why should I plant a tree in my garden?
We are already living with the impacts of climate change. For example, we are seeing more frequent spells of extreme heat as well as periods of intense rainfall which cause surface water flooding. Trees can help keep our homes, gardens and streets cooler through providing shade. Leaves reduce the speed at which rainfall reaches the ground and therefore help reduce surface water flooding.
We are experiencing a warming climate with increasing spells of extreme heat (heat waves) and intense rainfall which is making our homes, gardens and the wider city hotter and more prone to surface water flooding.
Portsmouth needs more trees
Our iTree Eco Survey 2024 has shown that Portsmouth only has 8.9% tree canopy cover (the amount of land under the leaves and branches of the tree when viewed from above). This is much lower than the recommended 15% for coastal towns and cities. However, this canopy cover is not evenly distributed across the city, which means not everyone is benefiting from trees.
It is calculated that the 111,800 trees across the city are removing 20 tonnes of air pollution, locking in 1440 tonnes of carbon and avoiding 35,000m3 of rainwater run off per year. This is an impressive quantity of benefits, but with a- changing climate we need to develop the city treescape and secure even greater benefits.
Being connected to nature, such as trees, has a positive benefit on our health and wellbeing. We see a reduction in stress levels, anxiety and depression; and increases in physical activity and positive feelings when we spend time around nature.
Trees are a beautiful addition to our urban landscape, bringing multiple benefits which are not only felt adjacent to the tree itself, but also felt across the wider area. Planting a tree in your garden is a gift to wider community and for current and future generations.
Nature Positive Portsmouth is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund through Nature Towns and Cities, a partnership between the Heritage Fund, Natural England and the National Trust.
To take advantage of the offer, complete the online form. Be informed that this offer is only for Portsmouth residents (PO1 – PO6) and PCC housing tenants. The offer will close on 8 January 2026.
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