Guidance Note on Tree Donation
The Grounds Maintenance team receive regular requests for tree planting; for example in memory of loved ones, gifts from retiring staff members or trees to commemorate events. The University is happy to receive such donations and recognises the importance placed on commemorative trees which ultimately, can have historic and cultural value.
The purpose of this Guidance Note is to set out the donation process and make clear that trees are living, dynamic structures which may succumb to climatic, biotic or non-biotic agents resulting in the death of the tree and, therefore, the University cannot guarantee a donated trees perpetuity.
Should you wish to donate a tree please read the following notes and fill out the form on page 3 whichshould be sent to the Head of Grounds Maintenance, University of Reading
Timing
Our preferred tree planting time is November to the end of January and so requests for tree planting should be made by November 30th in order that they can be carried out within this period.
Location and Species
Donation trees will be used to make a memorial avenue within the Harris Garden. The selected species is Kaiser Lime (Tilia x europaea ‘Pallida’). This species of Lime has proven success at Whiteknights, with the chosen clone giving uniformity to the avenue.
Labels
A small discrete label,supplied by the donor, can be hung on the tree. Maximum dimensions 150mmx100mm suggested wording ‘In memory of’... or ‘Donated by’...
Planting
Should you wish to participate in the planting then this can be arranged, however, if a large group (20+) of participants are expected to attend then you should fill out an event notification formfound at approval.aspx
Cost
The cost of the tree planting is £500.This charge is to cover the cost of administration, site selection, permit to dig processing,purchase of the tree and delivery, tree furniture, soil ameliorants and future maintenance. The donation should be made to the Receipts Office, Whiteknights House using Grounds Account B2515153
Replacement trees
Grounds Maintenance will guarantee the tree 2 years from the date of planting only and, should the tree die within that period, will replace it at no cost to the donor.
Recording
Donation trees will be entered onto the University tree data base
Ownership
Once the tree has been planted it becomes part of the land and as such will belong to the University of Reading.
Application for Tree Donation
Name
Address
E-mail:
Telephone (best number during office hours):
Donation for:
Preferred planting time
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