Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) has faced backlash following the announcement that it had secured £53,600 to plant 69 trees this winter, including some in Berkhamsted.
Commenters on Facebook were quick to point out that this would mean each tree costs around £777.
One frustrated commenter said: “Someone needs to sack the council’s procurement team if they think that’s good value! How do tax payers object?”
However, DBC explained that the trees would cost £267 each on average. Maintenance fees would contribute to the overall cost.
A spokesperson for DBC said: “Trees are procured from an established industry supplier with the relevant biosecurity documentation. Biosecurity is important due to the loss and threat to trees in recent years due to pests and diseases.
“Each tree needs +/- 20 visits per year for watering and maintenance checks and repairs to help establish the trees (+/- 60 visits over three years). This grant equates to £8.50 per visit, which covers staffing, getting to and from different sites and locations across the borough, equipment and water costs etc.”
The funding has been provided by the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund.
Photo credit: Dacorum Borough Council
I suppose the numbers are right but I have well established saplings which grew up in my hedge with no human intervention or support.
Majestic sell trees, they are only a few miles away from DBC yard. I think they must have traveled miles if they are costing that much.
Needs to be investigated.
Spending Hemel’s citizens money that easy without any planing.
The Woodland Trust gives saplings to a deserving cause (though these are quite small). Then there would just be the maintenance costs to cover.