We continue with our tree planting programme this year, along with planting trees in public areas during the winter months the Tidy Towns Association can sometimes subsidise the cost of providing and planting trees in residential areas. We have a very limited budget annually for this project, but if Residents Associations wish to have advice on the type of trees to plant please contact our association, or check this websites Native Trees of Ireland section.

The Association promotes the use of good quality semi-mature native trees in all Residential Estates and suitable roadside locations.

We continue to plant trees in the town park and other public areas, this year we have planted in excess of twenty trees in selected areas. Planting trees is of great benefit to the local environment, a single mature beech tree releases enough oxygen to support a family of four over the course of a year. Newbridge Tidy Towns Association participates annually in National Tree Week.

Plant a Tree, the first step in planting a Forest

Much of the information below has been taken from the Tree Council of Ireland Website treecouncil.ie which is well worth a visit.


On Thursday 7 October 2010 primary school children all over Ireland spend the day learning about trees in a fun and relaxed environment. There will be guided woodland walks at over 120 locations throughout the country.

Additionally 2010 is the "Year of the Birch " of which there are two different species here in Ireland, the Downy Birch and the Silver Birch. There are two species of birch native to Ireland, downy and silver. Both species are somewhat delicate with fine branches and small leaves; the Downey Birch is the more common species. Springtime the birch flowers when catkins, appear and remain on the tree and in autumn contain the mature seed.

The great thing about Burch is that it will grow on poor soils, and can tolerate higher elevations than any of our native trees it does however like sunny positions. As in all native species of tree, shrub or flower they are ideally suited to support the native Irish wildlife, and its small seed are ideal for birds. While used a decorative hedging in many locations, the tallest birch tree can grow to 25 metres.

Why not plant a native tree in 2011

2011 has been declared International Year of the Forest to mark the part that the world’s forests play as an integral part of global sustainable development. The International Year of Forests will help raise awareness and promote global action to sustainably manage, conserve and develop all types of forests, including trees outside of forests.

While Ireland does not have a very significant amount of forests – particularly forests of native trees, they are very important because - Forests they are a vital part of global ecosystems and their continued survival is being compromised by human activities . They provide socio-cultural benefits such as recreational, medical and contribute towards community development, and together with soil forests are the world’s largest carbon sinks, therefore playing a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting biodiversity.
Various activities will be organised throughout Ireland to celebrate the International Year of the Forest
Why not plant a tree this year, select from native species such as Willow, Hazel, Silver Birch, Blackthorn, Dogwood, Holly and Buddleia, but be sure to check that the location is suitable for the tree, as small trees would be more suitable (and practical) in small or average size gardens.

The Association are encouraging Residents Associations to participate in National Tree Week, and select some native tree species for planting on their green areas. Business owners could plant some trees in the vicinity of their business premises, as this would provide an attractive environment for both employees and passersby. You can select some larger trees for Residential Estate green areas, but be sure to plant them well away from roadways, and buildings.