Tree Planting Programme - 2026/2027
Trees make a vital contribution to the character, identity, and visual quality of South Dublin County. They are a key component of the County’s Green Infrastructure, providing significant environmental, social, economic, ecological, and aesthetic benefits to communities across streets, parks, and public open spaces. Trees enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, support health and wellbeing, mitigate urban heat, manage surface water, and play an increasingly important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
In accordance with the Tree Management Policy 2026–2031 – Living with Trees, South Dublin County Council is committed to the proactive planting, replacement, and long‑term management of trees to protect and enhance the County’s tree canopy for current and future generations. The expansion of tree cover, particularly in areas of low canopy, is a core objective of the Council’s environmental and climate action commitments.
Areas prioritised for new tree planting include locations where trees have been removed as part of standard maintenance works, areas identified as having low tree canopy cover, and suitable locations where additional planting will enhance streetscapes, parks, and neighbourhood amenity. Requests from Elected Members, residents’ associations, community groups, schools, and individual residents are also considered as part of the annual tree planting programme and are assessed in line with available resources and site suitability.
All new and replacement planting follows the principle of “Right Tree, Right Place.” Tree species and planting locations are carefully selected to ensure long‑term sustainability, climate resilience, and positive integration into the surrounding environment. Consideration is given to species diversity to reduce vulnerability to pests, diseases, and future climatic stress. Wherever possible, native species are prioritised, particularly in parks and open spaces, in order to maximise biodiversity and environmental benefits.
Potential planting sites are subject to inspection prior to inclusion in the programme. These inspections assess a range of factors including underground and overhead services, road safety and sight lines, proximity to signage and traffic signals, distance from public lighting columns, available soil volume, and adequate space for future crown and root development. Where a location is deemed unsuitable, planting will not proceed.
Tree planting is carried out during the dormant season (typically November to March) by trained personnel, with all newly planted trees entering a 24‑month post‑planting maintenance programme to support successful establishment.
Requests for tree planting can be made at any time throughout the year. Submissions can be made by contacting info@sdublincoco.ie or by phoning 01 414 9000. All requests are logged, inspected, and evaluated in accordance with the Council’s Tree Management Policy.
