Surrey County Council has surpassed its tree-planting objectives according to findings released in its climate change delivery programme report. The council planted approximately 885,000 trees between 2021 and 2026, substantially exceeding the original target of 600,000 trees. During the 2025/26 financial year alone, 116,359 trees were added across the county.
Despite these figures, questions have emerged regarding the long-term viability of the planted trees. Elmbridge Borough Council recently adopted a motion requesting that the future East Surrey council revise its tree strategy to account for survival rates. The motion highlighted concerns that a considerable proportion of trees planted in the borough are dying within a year due to inadequate aftercare and maintenance following planting.
Councillor Katerina Lusk stated that the raw number of plantings is of limited value if a substantial percentage of the trees do not survive their first year. Surrey County Council has established an even more ambitious target, aiming to plant 1.2 million trees by 2030, with the goal of planting one tree for every resident in the county.
Beyond tree planting, the authority’s broader climate change programme has achieved notable progress. The council reported being on target to meet its 2030 net zero objectives, with carbon emissions reduced by approximately 60%. The programme has also supported residents in lowering energy expenses and upgrading their homes, with more than 1,438 low-income households receiving energy efficiency enhancements such as insulation improvements, solar installations, and low-carbon heating systems.
The council acknowledged that ongoing decarbonisation efforts face headwinds from market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and wider economic challenges that are expected to influence future progress.
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