Why tree surgery should be in every school’s budget
Walk through the grounds of almost any school in the UK and you’ll find them: mature oaks lining a playing field, sycamores casting shade over the playground, silver birches standing sentinel along the car park. Trees are part of the fabric of a school site, quietly adding character, shelter and biodiversity. And yet, when it comes to budgeting, they’re often treated as an afterthought.
Until something goes wrong.
Tree surgery might not be the flashiest line in the budget, but it’s one of the most important. When properly planned, it protects people, prevents disruption and preserves the very spaces where children grow and learn.
Trees on school grounds: more than just scenery
Trees do far more than decorate the edges of school fields. They offer shade on hot days, improve air quality, and provide habitats that enrich biodiversity, often doubling as quiet spaces for reflection or outdoor learning. In an age where schools are expected to do more for pupil wellbeing, these green giants are proving their worth.
Beyond the environmental benefits, trees create a more welcoming and engaging atmosphere – something that’s not lost on parents, governors, and inspectors alike. They soften hard landscapes, buffer traffic noise, and instill a sense of continuity that mirrors the school’s role in shaping young lives.
Put simply, trees aren’t just passive features—they’re active contributors to a healthier, happier school environment.
The hidden risks of neglect
For all their benefits, trees can quickly become liabilities when left unchecked. Deadwood hanging above a walkway, an overextended branch near a classroom roof, or roots lifting paving slabs aren’t rare occurrences; they’re everyday hazards in neglected school grounds.
And the consequences aren’t minor. Injuries to pupils, staff or visitors can lead to legal claims. A fallen limb might block emergency access or force closures. Even minor incidents can damage a school’s reputation and shake parents’ confidence.
Under health and safety law, schools have a clear duty of care, and that extends to their trees. Regular inspections and preventative work reduce risk, protect people, and ensure peace of mind for headteachers and governors alike.
A reactive approach only works until the first storm hits.
What tree surgery covers
Tree surgery isn’t just about lopping off overgrown branches, it’s a specialised discipline focused on the health, structure, and safety of trees. For schools, that can mean a range of services: from routine inspections and deadwood removal to crown thinning, disease management, and safe felling where necessary.
It also includes stump grinding to prevent regrowth or trip hazards, and advice on species selection if replanting is needed. Crucially, it’s not a one-size-fits-all service. A tree shading a nursery play area needs different care from one overhanging a sports field.
Professional arborists provide tailored, proactive care that helps trees flourish in a safe, sustainable way, so schools can enjoy the benefits without the risks.
Budgeting smartly: planning vs panic
When tree care isn’t factored into the school budget, it often ends up as a reactive expense—called in after a storm, an accident, or a complaint. Emergency call-outs not only cost more, but they also tend to cause disruption: cordoned-off areas, cancelled PE lessons, or even temporary closures.
Compare that with scheduled maintenance which is a known cost, planned during holidays or inset days. It’s calmer, safer, and ultimately far more cost-effective.
Including tree surgery in the annual budget transforms it from a crisis response into a routine part of site management. And when integrated with broader grounds maintenance contracts, it becomes easier to forecast, justify, and manage.
It’s not about spending more—it’s about spending smarter and avoiding nasty surprises.
Making the case: Ofsted, ESG & long-term strategy
Tree care might not come up in every Ofsted inspection, but outdoor provision, pupil wellbeing, and health and safety certainly do. Well-managed green spaces signal a school that takes pride in its environment and takes its responsibilities seriously.
Beyond compliance, there’s the growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. Many schools are now embedding sustainability into their development plans. Maintaining healthy trees—and planting new ones—supports those goals.
Viewed through this lens, tree surgery isn’t just maintenance; it’s strategy. It’s safeguarding not just the site, but the school’s values and long-term vision.
Final thoughts – trees deserve a line in the ledger
It’s easy to overlook trees when drawing up a school budget. They’re quiet, steadfast, and usually cause no fuss—until they do. But with a modest, well-planned investment in professional tree surgery, schools can avoid costly emergencies, safeguard their pupils, and protect some of the most valuable assets on their grounds.
Trees shape the character of a school and contribute to the well-being of everyone who passes beneath them. Giving them proper care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And it starts with recognising that they deserve more than admiration. They deserve a line in the ledger.