Tiny Gardens, Big Change

Communities around the world are planting tiny gardens around the base of street trees. Portsmouth Friends of the Earth have spotted over 40 of these tiny gardens here in Portsmouth.

Street trees do so much for us — they give us shade on hot days, make the air cleaner to breathe, soak up rain to help prevent flooding, and even make our streets look and feel friendlier.

Life is tough for street trees – the ground is mostly covered in tarmac leaving them with a small amount of soil around their base in which to grow. This small area is known as a tree pit and usually has dry compacted soil, weeds that are sprayed with herbicide, and it may be full of rubbish and dog mess. When trees suffer this affects the whole street.

Creating a tree pit garden: What’s In It for You?

A greener, prettier street bringing a smile to people’s faces

A chance to meet neighbours

More shade

Cleaner air

Less storm water runoff so our sewers don’t get overloaded and spill sewage into the sea

A small habitat for worms, beetles, bees, butterflies .. and maybe even birds

How to Care for a Tree Pit Garden

Pick Your Pit: Choose a tree pit near your home, your business, or your favourite walking route — anywhere you’ll see it often.

Give It a Clean-Up: Pull out rubbish, weeds, and anything that doesn’t belong. Be very gentle around the roots. It is really important not to damage these.

Fluff the Soil: Loosen the top layer very gently so water can get through. You don’t have to dig deep — just a few inches.

Water When It’s Dry: Especially during the summer, trees need a big drink — about 5 watering cans or washing up bowls full a week, poured slowly.

 Maybe Plant Some Flowers: If you want, you can plant a few flowers around trees that are over 3 years old. Just pick small annuals that are friendly to trees (native plants are best). A small packet of seeds goes a long way and can be shared with friends.

Spread the Word: Maybe add a cheerful sign ("I’m caring for this tree — join me!") to encourage others to pitch in too.

What to Avoid

No tall plants or big shrubs — they compete with the tree and may flop onto the pavement.

Keep the soil level with the pavement to avoid trip hazards.

No piling mulch or soil against the tree trunk — it can rot.

No fertilizers or pesticides — trees don’t need them and they can do more harm than good.

Make It Fun!

You can get creative — decorate with little signs, or even hold a “tree pit garden party” with neighbours where you spruce up a few pits together. It’s a great way to meet people and make the street look amazing.

What next

Portsmouth City Council does not currently have an Adopt a Tree Pit scheme although to date residents have planted over 40 tree pit gardens. Portsmouth Friends of the Earth has presented a report, filled with photos of beautiful tree pits and positive quotes from residents, to the Council asking them to introduce a scheme to support and celebrate street tree pit gardens. https://portsmouthfoe.org/resources

Rachel Hudson, Portsmouth Friends of the Earth