Glasgow Tree Planting Partnerships - Bylaws

Parks and Public Spaces Scotland 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland supports community tree planting in parks and public spaces, but projects must follow council rules, permissions and site-specific requirements. This guide explains who enforces tree and park rules in Glasgow, how partnerships typically operate with the council, what applications or permissions you may need, and practical steps for community groups to plan, plant and maintain trees safely and lawfully. For official guidance and current service contacts see the council's trees and parks information[1].

Scope and who is responsible

Community tree planting normally involves landowner permission, a planting plan, and post-planting maintenance. In Glasgow the landowner for most urban parks and street trees is Glasgow City Council; community organisations usually work through the council's parks or neighbourhood services to arrange sites, species and long-term care. Volunteer groups should confirm ownership, any existing Tree Preservation Orders or conservation-area controls, and whether a formal partnership agreement is required.

Setting up a community partnership

Key steps and considerations for groups wanting to partner with Glasgow City Council on tree planting.

  1. Confirm land ownership and any planning or TPO restrictions.
  2. Prepare a simple planting plan showing location, species, protection and maintenance responsibilities.
  3. Contact the council parks or neighbourhood team to propose the project and agree supervision, storage and tools.
  4. Identify funding, insurance and ongoing maintenance obligations before planting.
Seek written permission from the council before any planting on public land.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of tree, parks and public-space rules in Glasgow is carried out by Glasgow City Council services responsible for parks, planning and environmental enforcement. Precise penalty amounts, statutory fine levels and escalation for tree-related offences are not specified on the cited council page and should be confirmed with the council directly.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include removal/reinstatement orders, repair notices or referral to courts where damage or unauthorised works occur.
  • Escalation: first and repeat offences guidance is not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Glasgow City Council parks, planning or neighbourhood enforcement teams (see council contacts for the correct service).
  • Appeals/review: the cited page does not set out statutory time limits; groups should request written reasons and appeal routes from the council.
If you believe a tree has been damaged, report immediately to the council with photos and location details.

Applications & Forms

Requirements vary by site. The council publishes application or request routes for tree works and community planting proposals on its parks and trees pages; specific form names or fees are not detailed on the cited page and should be requested from the council service handling your area.[1]

Always ask for the official form or written agreement before planting on council land.

Practical compliance checklist

  • Obtain written site permission and any required permissions before planting.
  • Keep a copy of the planting plan and any council agreement on file.
  • Use approved tree guards and staking methods as agreed with the council.
  • Arrange insurance and volunteer safety briefings for planting days.

Action steps

  • Contact the council parks or neighbourhood team to discuss site suitability.
  • Submit a planting plan and request any standard form or agreement.
  • Confirm funding, insurance and maintenance before planting.
  • Report emergencies or suspected illegal tree works to the council immediately.

FAQ

Do I need permission to plant trees in a Glasgow park?
Yes. You must obtain written permission from Glasgow City Council for planting on council-owned parks or verges; contact the parks or neighbourhood service to apply and discuss the proposal.
Are there fees or permits for community planting?
Fees and permits depend on site and scale; the cited council page does not list a universal fee schedule, so groups should request details from the relevant council service.[1]
Who maintains trees after planting?
Maintenance responsibilities are usually set out in the partnership agreement or planting plan between the council and the community group.

How-To

  1. Contact Glasgow City Council parks or neighbourhood services to identify suitable sites and ownership.
  2. Prepare and submit a planting plan showing species, locations, protection and maintenance roles.
  3. Secure funding, insurance and volunteer agreements, then confirm dates with the council.
  4. Carry out planting with agreed protection measures and record-keeping for future maintenance.
Record the site and species in a simple log to help long-term care and council reporting.

Key Takeaways

  • Get written permission from Glasgow City Council before planting.
  • Prepare a clear planting and maintenance plan agreed with the council.
  • Report damage or unauthorised works to the council promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Glasgow City Council - Trees and woodlands

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