Why National Tree Week matters and how to get involved

National Tree Week is an annual celebration of trees and tree planting, which aims to get everyone – from individuals, communities, conservation groups and schools – involved in planting and caring for millions of trees. This year, National Tree Week celebrates its 50th anniversary.

When is National Tree Week?

National Tree Week run from 22 November to 30 November 2025. The timing coincides with the start of the ideal period for planting trees, when soil is still warm and moist but not frozen, and when trees have become dormant so they can be transplanted without any check in growth. This time of year bare-rooted trees are available to buy and plant. These come without a pot and with no soil around their roots. They are cheaper to buy than pot-grown plants and establish quickly while soil temperatures are still warm.

The history of National Tree Week

In the 1960s, millions of British elm trees were lost to Dutch Elm Disease, leaving huge gaps in our woodlands, hedges and parks. So great were the losses that a nationwide planting campaign was developed in the early 1970’s, called ‘Plant a Tree in ‘73’. Its success led to the formation of the Tree Council and the first National Tree Week in 1975, which soon become established as a hugely popular annual event. National Tree Week is run by the Tree Council and also involves many partner organisations including the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Woodland Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and the Wildlife Trusts.

How to get involved with National Tree Week

Everyone can join in with National Tree Week in the UK and there are many ways to become involved. Join an event run by your local community group, conservation organisation, local council or in the workplace as a corporate volunteering activity. You could also organise an event yourself, either in the community or through your workplace. Find out more from the Tree Council.

Ongoing care is vital for new trees in their first years. Becoming a volunteer tree warden is a great way to care for new and existing trees in your locality and to become involved in your community.

You can also mark National Tree Week by planting trees in your own garden. Trees come in a wide choice of shapes and ultimate sizes, so be sure to choose one that suits your garden’s size, soil, and situation. Ideally, plant trees with plenty of wildlife benefits, such as nectar-rich flowers for bees and other insects, followed by fruits for birds.

Where to find out more about National Tree Week

• The Tree Council has a list of events and an interactive map so you can find out what is happening in your area
• Your local library is also a great source of information on local events
• The Woodland Trust offers free trees to schools, community, and conservation groups