Global Warming mitigation - it is the mature trees not newly planted trees that will help

It is a climate emergency yet local and national governments are boasting about planting X thousands of trees. Whilst not focusing on mature trees and starving Tree Departments and Planning enforcement budgets, that would assist with their protection.

It will 15-20 years before these newly planted trees will make any significant contribution.

It is the mature and young mature trees that will undertake the heavy lifting. On development and construction site these trees should retained and protected. In all locations if they are stressed or at risk from utility works / compaction etc that should be helped with decompaction /aeration and mulching.

The newly planted trees will help in a few decades and they should be cared for to ensure they establish for the benefit of future generations.

There should be a levy on all planning permissions to fund Tree Officers and Planning Enforcement Officers to help protect our mature trees.