The tree register.

Every tree Streetwood plants gets a number, a name and at least one carer. The register is how a street remembers who planted what, who waters it, and whom to thank.

HOW THE REGISTER WORKS

Given in planting order. Number one is a rowan by the old bus shelter. Number two did not survive a dry June, and we keep its number empty in its honour.

A number

Chosen by the carers, the school class or the neighbour who asked for the tree. Mostly gentle. Occasionally a footballer.

A name

At least one named neighbour on the watering rota. More is better: young trees, like most of us, prefer company.

A carer

Species, planting date, a height every September and whatever the carers want to add, from first blossom to the cat that sleeps in the mulch.

A page

Register entry

No. 0147, Little Bea

Species

Rowan, Sorbus aucuparia

Planted

A wet Saturday in November 2023, by eleven neighbours and one very muddy dog

Carers

Priya on Mondays, the Lewis family on Thursdays, and whoever has the hose out on Sundays

Height

About 2.6 metres on the last measuring day, taken with a broom handle and a tape

Notes

First blossom this May. Visited daily by a blackbird the carers have named Gerald.

Three trees, three streets.

FROM THE REGISTER

A few more entries from the register of an imagined neighbourhood. Every name was chosen by the people who water the tree.

No. 0012, Margaret

A crab apple outside the launderette, planted in 2021 and named after a carer’s late aunt, who also had excellent blossom. Its small red apples hang on well into winter. Carer: Joan, every Tuesday.

No. 0031, Old Tom

The rowan by the bus shelter and the oldest tree on the register. Its berries vanish within a week every October, thanks to a family of blackbirds. Carer: Arthur, most mornings.

No. 0112, Goldie

A male ginkgo on the corner of the school road. For one week each November it drops every leaf at once and the pavement turns gold. Carers: Class 4 and their teacher.

Priya, 29

“The register made our street feel like a village. I know the names of four trees, nine neighbours and one blackbird. A year ago I knew none of them.”

Carer of No. 0147, Little Bea