We answer common questions below. If you cannot see the answer to your question please get in touch with us or tweet us @GreentalkLabs. If you are experiencing technical issues or if the site is not working properly, then email [email protected].
Information about the areas and trees included in this project.
The trees that feature and are showing are dependent on the project area. At the current moment, we recognise that all of the trees in the project area are not listed and therefore not complete. We will be updating the site regularly to include new tree data updates, plus newly planted trees.
The current data visible represents a snapshot of available data at that moment in time. As the tree data becomes updated and refined, then this will be reflected in this website.
This is dependent on the project area, and it is our goal to be able to represent as many of the individual trees as possible from the project area in the future.
How to use our tree map and select and highlight different species and understand how we classify trees by rarity.
This will be dependent on the project. If the data is made available, then when you will see the park highlighted in purple. Hover or touch that park to see the planting information.
Zoom in to the map until you see the small bar at the bottom of the map showing a count of trees. Click on the bar and it will show you a list of all the species of tree visible in the current view. Click on any of those species and it will highlight them all for you in blue.
You can now drag the map around and if any more of this species come into view they will be highlighted as well.
Some of the highlighted trees may be hidden under the bar, so may wish to drag the map or close the popup to see those.
Please see this Help item I'm looking for cones or acorns. How can I find trees of a particular species near me?which shows you how to highlight trees of a particular species on the map.
On the map page click on the EcoFacts button at the very bottom of the map. You will see options for highlighting trees including Age, Height and Value. Select the Age option and you will see how many trees of each age band are visible in your map view. For example, click on the 100+ button to see very old trees. If there are none in view, try zooming out a little or moving the map or selecting a slightly younger age band.
Perhaps you are looking for some pine cones or for some acorns.
Or want to improve your tree Id skills and find the closest of a specific species close to you.
You can use the Species Pullup on the map to help find trees of a specific species near you.
1. Go to the map
2. Zoom in fairly close to the area you want to check
3. Click on / pull up the species count bar at the bottom of the map
4. Select the options Alphabetical and Common Names
5. Look for the species you want to find in the list. For example, if you are looking for cones see if you can see PINE, SCOTS PINE, CEDAR or ATLAS CEDAR listed
(a) If you cannot see your species listed then drag the map somewhere else. It can be easier to start with a large park where there are more trees
(b) If you can see your species listed but cannot see numbers against the names then zoom in a little more (Trees will not be highlighted on the map until the count is shown). You may need to adjust the view again to bring them back into view
(c) If you can see your species listed and with numbers then you've found them!
- Click on one of those names
- Your trees are where the blue points light up!
Leave it at that zoom level and you can now drag the map around and it will light up trees of those species when any come into view.
Sometimes, the data we have maybe slightly out of date, so a tree we display on the map, may not be there. There are two reasons why this might happen:
- The tree may have been felled since the last map data update
- There may have been a technical mistake in the data and sometimes tree locations can be off by a little bit especially in parks and open spaces. In these cases, the tree may be nearby.
In the near future you will be able to report issues with the data to us to help us make the map even more accurate
The data we use to show trees on the map comes from several sources. We're constantly updating it, but sometimes a tree may appear on the street or in a park or an estate that isn't yet on the map.
This might be because the tree may be recently planted. In this case, check back again, we hope to have the details for it soon!
In the near future you will be able to report issues with the data to us to help us make the map even more accurate.
Why trees are so important to you and for the environment.
A single young tree planted in a small pit over an impermeable asphalt surface can reduce rain runoff by around 60%, even during winter when not in leaf.
One study in Manchester found that shade from street trees reduced surface temperatures by an average of 12°C and that concrete surfaces shaded permanently by a bank of trees were cooled by up to 20°C in the summer.
Additional information related to signing up and other features such as 'liking' a tree.
No, once you have selected your avatar, then it cannot be changed.
Wait until you are prompted to sign up, or simply press the Start Liking Trees button at any time.
You will be asked to provide your email address and a password, and then asked to select your own personal Greentalk Name What is a ‘Greentalk Name’?.
We’ve made it as easy as possible. Signing up for a new account can take less than a minute!
No, you need to be signed up. This allows us to collate and show the trees that you like within your Profile.
It’s simple. Find and click on a tree that you are interested in. The tree information will be displayed and all you need to do is click on the heart button.
Liked trees are highlighted with little green hearts in the map.
You will be able to see who has liked a tree in the ‘Activity’ of that tree. You are also able to see which trees have been recently liked on the homepage.
This will be visible in your ‘Manage Your Profile’ section once you have signed in.
Liking a tree is a way of showing your appreciation of that tree. It will also help highlight to other residents especially interesting and beautiful trees, and may help encourage others to visit that tree!
Sign in to your account. Click on your avatar in the top menu bar, and then on ‘View Your Profile’. On your Profile page you will see the option to ‘Change Your Password’ under your email details.
Sign in to your account. Click on your avatar in the top menu bar, and then on ‘View Your Profile’ and you will be shown ‘Your Greentalk Profile’.
Every user that signs up with Greentalk, will be able to create their own unique Greentalk Name. This name will be unique to you and will have an associated avatar. We’ve done this to help protect your identity and privacy, whilst letting you take advantage of all the features available in the website.
Information about how to apply for and order trees. This section applies to planting schemes that is run by your local Council or borough. Please check with your relevant authorities for any opening/closing dates.
Orders are unable to be changed once confirmed, unless for exceptional circumstances. In which case the applicant must get in contact with the team prior to their pick up event. In this instance, please email: [email protected] (Please reference: Free Tree Planting and your Tree Order reference number in the subject line).
Due to the large number of applications, and the availability of our tree stock, we are currently unable to change or amend your order. If you would prefer to no longer have the tree that you have ordered, then please let us know and we can cancel your booking. Please email [email protected] (referencing: Free Tree Planting and your Tree Order reference number).
This would depend on the type of tree, but as a rule of thumb we recommend planting the tree far enough away from any buildings so that when it is fully grown, it won’t interfere or shade these buildings. Information on the mature size of the trees will be provided when picking up your tree.
Your tree can be planted immediately or alternatively will remain healthy in its pot for a few months in the pot if the soil in the pot is kept moist and outdoors but preferably under cover or in a sheltered spot. But they should be planted whilst they are dormant, so before March. Any overnight frost contact with the bag can be damaging to the tree. The bareroot plants need a bit more care and should be planted within 7 days. The root comes covered in a bag and again should be stored in a sheltered area or undercover.
If you are experiencing problems ordering through your mobile device, then please re-try placing your order using a laptop or desktop PC.
Once your you have place a successful order, then you will receive a confirmation email.
This giveaway is only open to residents that are able to plant trees on land that they own or under your control, e.g. property garden.
Specialised tools aren’t really required, though a good quality spade will make your day easier. We recommend using a rabbiting/planting spade.
Information about collection locations is available on the ordering page and in your order confirmation email.
A reminder will also be sent out a few days before picking up.
You will get an email confirmation if your application is successful. It will confirm your allocated collection date. Additional details for the precise collection location will be provided by email prior to the collection date. You can also check back on the website for any additional collection date/location updates.
Trees that are available through this giveaway can only be planted on land in your ownership or land in your control, e.g. property garden.
How to create walks visiting the trees in your neighbourhood or further afield.
You can start a walk from any tree by clicking on the tree on the map, and then on the Create a walk button which is displayed. Your walk will start at the tree and visit interesting trees nearby.
Alternatively if you want to start from a particular address or location go to the home page and type the address into the Create a walk box.
In both cases you can choose whether you want to go on a circular walk which returns you back to where you started, or whether you want to go on an "A to B" walk specifying a different destination address.
This setting is required to print the map as well as can be achieved.
It is usually switched on by default. But if when you print you notice that tree numbering circles look wrong it means it is not switched on. It will still print but it is not as clear as it could be.
How it is switched on depends on the browser you are using.
1. Chrome - Press PRINT and then in the screen that appears expand the "More Settings" section and it is near the bottom of that. Make sure the setting in ticked.
2. Safari Click Print and then make sure that the two boxes labelled 'Appearance' are ticked.
3. Microsoft Internet Explorer. Press the COG at top right of the browser, then select Page Setup... from the menu that appears. On the window that opens make sure to tick the "Print Background Colours and Images" option.
4. Firefox - Click the Firefox tab at the top left of your screen. If you don't see it, click and release the "Alt" button to see the File menu. Select Print… and select Page Setup…. Tick the Print Background (colors & images) box
5. Microsoft Edge unfortunately does not appear to support background graphics printing
Tree walks can be created from trees within the project area, and may extend to neighbouing boroughs if participating community groups overlap into those areas.
This website relates to a specific initiative and project area. If you would like to create walks outside of the project area, then please contact your local council or Councillor(s), and get them in touch with Greentalk. Otherwise, if you are in the Greater London area, then please also have a look at www.treetalk.co.uk which incorporates more trees across London boroughs.
Tips on watering adopted trees during periods of hot or dry weather.
We recommend the following:
- Extra water may be required during especially hot or dry weather between April and September.
- If you adopt a tree we’ll send you notifications when this happens
- 20 litres per watering is ideal – although anything you can manage is great
- Tap water, rain water or even dishwater is fine. But please make sure no chemicals stronger than washing-up liquid are in the water
- Some trees have a green watering bag, if so, fill it through the slot at the top
- Some trees have a plastic pipe sticking out of the soil, if so, pour water in this – it goes straight to the roots
- If it's easier or there’s no pipe or bag, slowly pour water over the roots, letting the water soak deep into the soil
- Ask your neighbours to help out too, especially if you’re planning on going on holiday over the summer
- Rainfall alone isn't enough to satisfy newly planted trees, but too much water can be as bad as not enough, so avoid watering if the ground is very wet and soggy
- If you use a hosepipe, do so safely – don't leave it unattended or trail it across the road
- Early morning or evening are the best times to water, but if those aren’t convenient any water is better than none!
That depends on the weather. Watering notifications will be sent when the weather has been particularly hot and/or dry. Our goal is to support existing watering plans and schedules.
The watering season runs from April to September, when trees are actively growing and are actively watered by the council. When the weather is especially hot or dry, newly planted trees may need extra watering.
At any time look at the Care panel where you will be able to see if a tree needs watering, we also provide information about how much water is needed and what time of day is best for watering. If you have adopted a tree watch out for your watering notifications which you will be sent by email and/or as an alert in your inbox in the website.
Only residents who have adopted a tree will receive watering notifications. To find out about adopting a tree, see 'Adopting a tree' ‘Adopting a tree’ - what does it mean?.
Newly planted trees are most vulnerable in their first five years.
The council will keep an eye on these trees and will water them regularly, but your help can make all the difference during the spring and summer, especially when it’s especially hot and dry.
Find out more about adopting newly planted trees. Adoption trees is free and aims to help increase the survival rate of newly planted trees by caring for them in their first few years.
Adopting a tree is a way to recognise your help and contribution. Simply by watering the tree How do I water a tree? and keeping its tree pit free of litter can help make all the difference. This is in addition to the normal maintenance, watering and tree management programmes that the Council undertakes. You can access your tree and an adoption guide for it on your Greentalk Profile page.
Yes, you can do this, but young trees may need watering in the summer, so it may be best to adopt a tree that is accessible to you.
Trees that are ready for adoption will have a small ‘a’ icon on the map. Click on it to find out more. Adoptable trees will be newly planted trees which need the most help in their first five years in order to thrive.
You can also use the ecofacts option on the Info Tray at the bottom of the map to highlight newly planted trees near you. Select ecofacts and then age and then the Newly Planted trees button and they will be highlighted in blue. Move the map around to find newly planted trees near you.
No, when adopting a tree, we only ask that you help look after and water it, particularly during dry spells.
We are currently supporting newly planted trees that we have been supplied data for in the borough. If you’re unable to adopt a tree now, then please help us by showing your appreciation of nearby trees by ‘Liking’ them on the map Liking - How do I ‘like’ a tree?!
You can adopt as many trees as you like, but please consider that those trees should be accessible to you so that you can easily water and help look after them.
First, find a tree near you Can I adopt any tree? Which trees are available to be adopted? on the map which has a small ‘a’ icon. Click on that tree, sign up with a Greentalk account if you have not already, and then press the 'Adopt this tree' button.
You will receive an email confirmation, including a personalised Adoption Guide telling you all about the tree. If the weather gets very dry or very hot then you will also receive email watering notifications asking you to give the tree some extra help by watering it. See our watering guide How do I water a tree?.
We know that there are some newly planted trees in the borough that do not show on the map. This is because we do not yet have the full planting information from the council’s Tree Partners. Once this data becomes available to us, then we will update the website accordingly. Please keep coming back to check the tree map for any updates.
How to report something that is wrong with a tree to those who manage it.
Yes, it is possible to report an issue or problem if an individual tree is shown on our map and it is managed by an organisation that Greentalk is linked to.
Find and click the tree on our map. (You may find locating the tree easier using Greentalk on your mobile phone as the map will zoom to trees near your location.)
An information panel on the tree will appear. Click on 'Care' and then 'Report an issue' at the bottom of the panel.
You will be asked to select the type of problem from a list. Then follow the prompts to report your issue to the specific council tree partner that manages this tree.
Tip: If you have adopted the tree that you want to report an issue with, you will find a quick reporting link in your Profile.
Yes, simply log in to your Greentalk account, and go to 'View your profile' to see all of the issue updates your have made. This will only show the trees which you have identified an issue with. Any outcomes to your tree issue will be dealt with separately by your local Council and/or relevant Tree Partner.
Once you report an issue through Greentalk, then your issue will be transferred to the relevant Council Tree Partner that manages these issues. The relevant Tree Partner will provide any updates &/or contact you with any additional information.
Find our more about local Neighbourhoods and Community Groups in the borough.
Currently, the project is in a pilot phase. Please go to the homepage and ‘Follow’ Greentalk to keep up-to-date with future opportunities.
A neighbourhood is an area that a local community group operates in to help improve their environment. Within Greentalk it is also an area where we will offer more features to help make trees and other green infrastructure, much more accessible and relevant to you.
Greentalk is about helping residents in the borough to help keep trees alive. Through the initiatives of local community groups, we have been fostering relations to help understand what would be valuable to you. This programme is one of the ways that we believe will make a difference.
If your neighbourhood isn’t covered by a group on our map, then you can also find a list of local environmental community groups through your local council/borough website(s).
A neighbourhood boundary is decided by the community group. It represents the geographical area that the community group cares for and which they are passionate about. In some cases, the boundaries may extend into neighbouring boroughs.
This is a new, innovative programme, and the current community groups are part of a pilot. This allows the programme to grow and understand future areas of focus and improvements. Make sure to ‘Follow’ Greentalk to find out when the programme will open up to more community groups.
We hope to have neighbourhoods covering all of the borough in the future, but at the moment we’re piloting some areas where community groups have a strong presence and have volunteered to help with this exciting new initiative.
Finding out about individual trees and their contribution to your local environment.
If you are trying to identify a tree please first check whether you can find it on the map.
If not, if you are on Twitter then please share a couple of photos of the tree (ideally closeups of the leaves, bark, any flowers) with @GreentalkLabs and where possible we will try and identify.
We're sorry but we are not able to accept identification requests via email at this time but we will try and find ways to make it easier to identify trees not already in our maps.
Where we have them, we display records of how old individual trees are. These are often shown as approximate ages, because we don't know how old the tree was when it was planted, and for older trees, records don't exist, so it is an estimate from a professional tree manager.
We show financial values of many of the trees on the map. These valuations are known as CAVAT or Capital Asset Valuation for Amenity Trees. They are determined using a formula based on how old a tree is, how long it can be expected to live, how many people benefit from living nearby. Find out more about CAVAT valuations from the London Tree Officers Association.
Tree rarity is determined by comparing how many trees of a specific species there are in our database. Each tree is then ranked between most common and most rare. Some of the most common trees are species like London Plane, of which there are many thousands, but some trees are much more unusual. The rarer they are, the darker green their dot will be on the map. If they're very rare, they'll have a blue-green dot which means there are fewer than 50 trees of this species in the database. If it's very, very rare, it will have a gold dot which means there are fewer than 10 trees of this species in our database.
A whip is a young sapling, typically just two or three years old and less than a metre tall. They are usually planted in groups to start a woodland, copse or hedgerow.
A cultivar is a specific type of tree, like a particular flowering cherry, which has consistent features that can be relied upon to be the same on each tree. Many planted trees are cultivars of a particular species, and we display this after the genus and species name. The Copper beech is a cultivar, and its full name botanical name is Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'. In this example, Fagus is the genus name (in this case, the beeches), sylvatica is the species name (in this case denoting the common beech), and 'Purpurea' is the cultivar name (in this case meaning it is a copper beech which is differs from a regular common beech by having purple leaves)
Some trees will also have an extra name that is different from a cultivar What is a cultivar? name. These extra names mean the tree is a variety or a subspecies. Varieties and subspecies differ from cultivars as they occur naturally, a cultivar is a type of tree that has been bred by horticulturalists to have specific features. Varieties and subspecies are types of trees that are similar to the regular species but will have some different features. Varieties differ because they are look different and occur all over the area where the regular species occurs. An example of a variety is the Himalayan birch Betula utilis var. jacquemontii. An example of a subspecies is the native black poplar Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia. It is a subspecies rather than a variety because it is only found in the wild in specific places.
Each tree we display as an individual point on the map belongs to a genus (like the oaks, or Quercus; or the cherries which are Prunus), and it will also have a specific species name to identify it. An example of a genus and species name is Sorbus (genus) aria (species), which we commonly call Whitebeam.
Where we have them we show three measurements for each tree. These are:
- Height: How tall the tree is, in metres.
- Spread: The diameter of the tree's branches, or crown, in metres.
- DBH: Diameter at Breast Height - this measurement shows how thick the tree's trunk is. It is in cm.
All these measurements are a snapshot, and some may be more than one year old, in which case the tree is likely to have grown since it was last measured.
We have differing amounts of data for each tree in our database. The least we know is where a tree is located, and often we know a lot more, but not every tree has every EcoFact yet, so we might not be able to tell you how tall, how old, or how valuable it is.
Find out more about the project.
Greentalk supports a wide range of browsers across Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS. Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
Greentalk does not support Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft are strongly recommending that you upgrade to Edge, which you can read about and download from their website.
Greentalk is a London based eco-tech company who have created the website and functionalities to allow residents to take part in the project. Find out more at the Greentalk Limited website.
This a project uses Greentalk's platform to allow local residents and businesses to generate itineraries and trails focussing on local trees. The project aims to create greater awareness and information on local trees, whilst providing a way for local communities and groups to get involved and help make their areas a greener and cleaner place to live and work.
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