From embodied carbon calculations to material innovation and net-zero targets, the focus is clear for UK construction: build better, build cleaner, and build more sustainably
However, while we invest time, money, and policy to reduce carbon, we continue to remove one of the most effective natural carbon stores we have – tens of thousands of trees and established hedgerows – often without properly measuring the impact.
Aaron Morley of Ruskins argues this creates a distorted picture, as tree losses from construction are increasing, while the industry is encouraged to report on tree planting and biodiversity net gain.
Trees are one of the biggest natural carbon stores on the planet
According to the Woodland Trust, UK trees and woodlands store around 18 million tonnes of CO₂ every year.
This is a significant contribution to national carbon reduction efforts, but when development takes place, particularly across housing and highways schemes, these assets are frequently removed as a matter of routine.
The carbon they store and their future capacity to absorb more is effectively wiped out overnight. Crucially, this loss is rarely factored into project-level carbon reporting in any meaningful way.
Replacement is not equivalent to the number of trees lost
The standard response to tree removal is mitigation through planting, but the evidence suggests this approach is fundamentally flawed.
Research highlighted by the University of Sheffield found that 39% of trees planted on new housing developments were dead or missing, while 48% of hedgerows expected to be delivered had not been installed.
While trees receive attention, hedgerows are often overlooked, even though they are vital natural carbon stores and biodiversity corridors. According to the Tree Council, the UK has already lost around half of its hedgerows since World War II, with development playing a significant role.
Despite this, they are still routinely removed during construction, frequently without meaningful or successful replacement. This is a quiet but significant environmental loss and one that is rarely discussed.
Construction works must relocate trees and hedgerows
If construction cannot plan works to retain large trees, there are alternatives that are available. The relocation of large trees and established hedgerows is a proven process used in both the UK and internationally.
With early planning and the right expertise, trees can be carefully lifted, moved and successfully re-established. This preserves their carbon value, maintains biodiversity and avoids the long-term environmental gap created by removal.
A deeper issue within construction
The current approach reflects a deeper issue within construction. Carbon reduction strategies tend to focus on materials, transport and energy use, all of which are important, but natural assets are often treated as secondary considerations.
Trees and hedgerows are seen as obstacles to be managed, rather than assets to be preserved.
However, from a carbon perspective, retaining a mature tree can deliver an immediate and measurable benefit, often far greater than marginal gains elsewhere in a project.
A call for change
This is not about stopping development. It is about delivering it differently.
It means:
- Measuring tree and hedgerow loss at a national level
- Accounting for carbon loss in project reporting
- Prioritising retention in design
- Considering relocation as a standard option, not an exception
- Ensuring that where planting does take place, it is supported by healthy soil and long-term management
These are practical, achievable steps that align directly with the industry’s broader environmental commitments.
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