There are over 6 million trees in London. All trees are important but a few are extra special because they are:

• Very old
• Very big
• An unusual or interesting shape
• Culturally or historically significant
• Associated with famous people
• Of particular importance for wildlife

There are three trees in Redbridge that have been judged to be amongst 'The Great Trees of London'.

The trees are :

The Fairlop Oak - High Street, Barkingside

Copper Beech - St Mary's Church, Woodford Green

Sweet Chestnut - George Green Wanstead

There are other fine or unusual trees in Redbridge such as:

Cedar of Lebanon - Valentine's Park

Dawn Redwood - Seven King's Park

Distribution of trees in Redbridge

The London Borough of Redbridge has good tree cover and is well provided with parks and country parks, open spaces and woodlands.

The borough comprises approximately 5,647 hectares with an average density of 29.82 trees per hectare.  It has been estimated that there is a total population of about 168,393 trees in Redbridge. The majority of trees in London (about 64%) can be found in private ownership. The number of trees for which the council has responsibility can be summarised as follows:-

• 19,000 trees growing in roadside footpaths.
• 8,000 trees in Parks and Open Spaces.
• 1,500 trees in the communal grounds of municipal flats and houses.
• 1,300 trees in cemeteries and gardens of remembrance.
• 1,200 trees in school grounds
• 100 trees in grounds of public buildings and other sites.
• There are an unknown number of trees in woodlands and copses.

Maintenance

Within the Council's Client and Purchasing Services organisation there are a number of Arboricultural Officers that oversee the regular inspection and maintenance of the Council's trees.

The Value of trees

Trees are important in our environment because:

• Trees produce oxygen
• Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air
• Trees provide shade
• Trees cool the air
• Trees absorb pollution
• Trees prevent erosion
• Trees provide shelter from the wind
• Trees add to the visual amenity of our surroundings

Trees provide food and a habituate for wildlife - invertebrates, insects, fungi, birds and animals.