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Trees and greenery

We maintain trees under the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership Strategy.

Following the Lowcock report, we have altered our approach to managing trees: where Amey recommends the removal and replacement of a street tree, public consultation takes place on Have Your Say, the public consultation hub.

Core Investment Programme (CIP) Working Group

Established following recommendations from the Lowcock Report, the CIP Working Group brings together key stakeholders to ensure sustainable, long-term solutions for street infrastructure. 

The group is focused on delivering the right treatments for footways and carriageways, through a collaborative and informed approach.

How you can look after trees and greenery

We encourage you to look after the 10 yards outside of your front door, whether that be: 

  • weeding
  • bagging up leaves
  • clearing litter
  • clearing drains
  • anything else   

If everyone looks after their ten yards, we’ll have more opportunities to tackle key issues within your neighbourhood. 

Sponsor Street Trees    

The Council supporting community funded, street tree planning, was one of the main takeaways of our Street Tree Partnership work. We’re working in partnership with Trees for Streets to ensure communities have the freedom to plant trees on their streets. We’re also working to spread the trees in Sheffield more evenly and equally. 

Our partnership with Trees for Streets means you can sponsor a tree individually or with the support of your local community: Sponsor a street tree in Sheffield - Trees for Streets

This costs £420 for a tree in a grass verge and £560 to create a pit in a pavement. 

The sponsorship request will be dealt with within 16 weeks. 

Community groups looking to sponsor street trees may be eligible for funding through South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau.

Leaf picking   

You can organise community leaf picks through the same channels as litter picks. 

If you collect fallen leaves, you can dispose of them in your black bin or request for them to be removed through our online form. 

Taking care of hedges and trees

Hedges and trees are the responsibility of whoever's land they reside on.

Street Trees   

You can report a problem with Street Trees through our online form.

Volunteer Street Tree Warden

A Volunteer Street Tree Warden: 

  • monitors the health of existing street trees
  • support planting and caring for new young trees

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per year to the role.

Protect and enhance green spaces   

Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust have created a Nature Recovery Community Toolkit with information and resources about what actions you can take to help nature recover in Sheffield. 

What you can do to enhance wildlife

If you’re a business that wants to do your bit in enhancing wildlife, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust have a useful resource for businesses.

Flower boxes are a clever way to green up your street. You don’t need any permission from us if it is on your land or on your property.

Objecting to developments or planning proposals

If you would like to object to a local development proposal or planning application because it would impact on nature, there is useful information from Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust.

Grass verges   

Grass verges get muddy during the winter months. Although this is a nuisance, they’re essential for flood mitigation and absorbing excess water.  

We’re looking into solutions for muddy verges during winter without having to pave them over. Please do not park on grass verges as that kills the grass.  

Amey will begin returfing works in April 2025.

Blocked drains   

You can a report a highway drain that has become blocked by leaves with our online form.

Additional support 

The Woodland Trust provide schools and community groups with free trees and shrubs to help rewild and increase greenery in their communities.

Groundwork can help you find funding for various projects.

The Wildlife Trust also provide a resource for helping to find funding sources.