The Merton Tree Strategy 2023-2029 sets out the way we will manage and enhance trees in the borough, including a goal to increase the borough’s tree canopy by 10% by 2050.

The strategy includes how we will look after trees and hedges to maximise the benefits to our borough and minimise inconveniences to residents while meeting our legal responsibilities.

It outlines how we will protect trees and hedges to ensure the borough’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges, and also promotes the cultivation and preservation of large, mature trees to contribute to our local ecology and biodiversity.

The strategy works with our Climate Action and Strategy Plan to respond to the climate emergency declared by us in 2019. Prioritising trees to mitigate some of the effects of climate change is an important part of the borough’s approach.