Hounslow Council have announced that they have already surpassed their target for tree planting for 2022/23. 

The council had initially set the ambitious target of planting 7,500 trees across the period, but more than 8,600 have already been planted. 

This puts the borough well on course for reaching the overall target of planting 20,000 trees across Hounslow over a four-year period by the end of 2026. 

Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Parking, Parks and Leisure, said: "We set ourselves a highly ambitious tree planting target for the 2022/2023 planting season because we recognise the vital role trees play in tackling carbon emissions and air pollution, encouraging biodiversity, and building a greener, more sustainable Hounslow.  

"I am pleased to say today we've not only met that target, but exceeded it.  

"We encourage residents to continue to enjoy our parks and open spaces, and take pride in the knowledge that Hounslow is taking an active role in protecting our environment for this generation, and all generations to come." 

8,634 trees have been planted across parks, open spaces, and carriageways, with this including over 70 species of trees, fruits, non-fruits, and natives. 

Exceeding their targets has seen the success of multiple smaller schemes, like Free Trees for Hounslow in which allotment owners were given the chance plant trees, and this saw 948 trees out of a possible 1,000 given away. 

Other projects included the Chiswick Old Cemetery Arboretum and planting at the ROWE community centre in Isleworth 

Trees and whips were planted across 39 different parks and open spaces, with the majority going in Thornbury Park, Lampton Park, Promenade Approach, Heston Park, and Hounslow Heath, additionally Hounslow Highways planted 203 kerbside trees.