Council to plant more trees to help lower emissions in Glasgow

More trees are to be planted across Glasgow this year to help lower emissions as the council works with local community groups to help mitigate climate change.

A paper being presented to members of the scrutiny committee later this week highlights that the move, which is part of the council’s Tree Action Plan will also contribute to the LBAP (Local Biodiversity Action Plan).

The Tree Action Plan aims to increase the total tree canopy of Glasgow from 16.1% to 17.1% by planting trees across the city between 2020-2030 and relates to trees and woodlands in council ownership.

Areas throughout the city have already been identified as potential sites which will be considered for woodland and urban tree planting as part of the Clyde Climate Forest initiative.

This programme aims to plant 18 million trees across the Glasgow City Region by 2030 with the neighbourhoods of Bridgeton and Dalmarnock, Govan, Levern & District and Possilpark as potential areas that would benefit from the scheme.

During the course of 2025/26 the council has been working with community groups and volunteer programmes who have helped and will continue to help plant trees during quarters three and four of the current financial year.

The council’s action plan focuses on planting millions of trees on council land in partnership with initiatives like the Clyde Climate Forest.

It looks to tackle climate change, improve air quality, create habitats, and engage with communities through planting events and an online portal for suggestions.

Key strategies include the Forestry & Woodland Strategy, using vacant land, streets, and parks, and involving public participation to meet ambitious targets

The forest and woodland strategy also directs tree planting to the most appropriate locations where there are opportunities to contribute towards mitigating climate change and increasing biodiversity.

For more information or to suggest a tree planting location, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b4e961b734e3439192a8b1f1fd184dee