How To Plant A Memorial Tree

The City Council provides a service whereby members of the public can enquire about the provision [at a cost] of a Memorial Tree with a plaque to be planted into a suitable Park or Open Space under Parks Service's ownership. I state suitable as some sites have historically had issues with ASB to trees and plaques and therefore we would not recommend that site being used.

Many people enquire about the War Memorial Park, however the criteria for that site is that the person commemorated must have died in conflict. This fact means that trees dedicated to people who are not applicable tend to be planted outside the Park on Stivichall Grove, over the road at Top Green or at the rear on Coat of Arms Bridge Rd.

The trees provided are Flowering Cherry, English Oak and Red Oak, however if people want a particular tree species we can look into the provision of one, if they are suitable for the chosen site. The trees supplied are container grown and are planted with a watering system. The plaques are cast bronze and are attached to a concrete plinth. As the plaques are cast the amount of characters is restricted to around 75no.

I ask that families forward me the wording for the plaque which I then pass onto the fabricator. They provide a template in the shape of the plaque which the family then confirm is acceptable.

Once the site and species have been agreed and the family have confirmed they are happy with the plaque and want to proceed I request their full contact details to enable me to arrange for the invoice to be raised. The invoice may be received before the tree is planted. The cost for example of an Oak tree and plaque, including inspections and watering for 12 months after planting and 20% VAT is approximately £592. Other tree species are cheaper.

Prior to the delivery of the tree I discuss the exact positioning of the tree, meeting the family on site if necessary. Once the tree and plaque have been received the date for the planting can be agreed to which the family are welcome to attend.

I am currently the main contact for enquires. If you require any further information please contact me.

Dave Lewis

Parks Development Officer
Parks Service
Streetscene & Greenspace
City Services & Development
Whitley Depot
259 London Road
Coventry
CV3 4AR
024 76832443
www.coventry.gov.uk