Why dense planting?

We have been conditioned to believe that life needs sufficient space and resources to reach full potential.

However, recent studies have shown that trees need underground distribution networks that supply water and food to all species via fungi. Trees huddled together improves the productive capacity of the underground network. True, the crowns of the trees are smaller, however the biomass is more dense than a traditional forest, as is biodiversity.

We have started to add mycorrhizal fungi to our tree whips, giving them a little buddy that helps the plants through tough times. The fungal and root network acts as a social security system lifting the whole forest to a healthy and prosperous higher level.


Ref - The Hidden Life Of Trees – Peter Wohlleben

" Mycorrhizal fungi gather water and nutrients from the soil in exchange for sugars made through photosynthesis from their plant partners". Finding the Mother Tree, Suzanne Simard

How to plant a mini forest
We are a small group of volunteers who do this for fun. If we can do it, anyone can. 

  1. Identify a site and get permission from the landowner
  2. Prepare the soil: that means different things for each sites and could be removing bramble, stones or enriching the soil with mulch
  3. Find out what suitable native tree species grow locally and make sure the size and preference of the trees fits the site: oaks grow tall and might be unsuitable for an urban setting or close to buildings; willow and alder love water and are best suited for damp sites
  4. Engage the local community, explain what you are planning and find ways to involve them
  5. Make sure you have site access for the first 2-3 years for basic maintenance and watering
  6. Watering: trees will need watering during a drought for the first two years; make sure you have access to water and willing helpers
  7. Consider ways to monitor plants, soil health and biodiversity on the site and how you can share your learnings with the wider community 
  8. Find a provider for bare root tree whips (available Nov - March): bare root plants are cheaper, easier to handle, transport and plant; and they will establish much better
  9. Mobilise volunteers, organise tools and plan the planting day between November and March during the dormant season - the earlier the better so trees have enough time to get acquainted with their fungi buddy and grow roots deep into the soil

Miyawaki 'Lite'


Whether you are a city/council aiming for net zero or a company offsetting your carbon footprint; our core mission can help support your environmental policy. Our strategy can do this fast and cost-effective. We differ from the traditional method because
  •  we don't fence off our forests (costly and uses up a lot of resources)
  • we don't dig down and replace existing soil with compost as usually existing soil is healthy enough, stores a lot of carbon that we don't release and our mycorrhizal fungi helps the plants get established
  • our costs are low: 100sqm = 200 trees = GBP400 (approx)
Many cities have started to roll out mini forests, we want London invest in this idea too! 

Why plant with DfT?

  1. Two years experience with over 10k trees planted
  2. Very cost-effective: less than £2 per tree
  3. Simple: plant a tree and maintain for 2 years, nature does the work
  4. We add biodiversity to grey concrete or green grass deserts 
  5. Dense planting adds maximum biodiversity and carbon capture to an area without taking too much sporting and recreational space from local residents.
  6. Locals and children will enjoy the changing environment over the years providing opportunities to experience nature evolve and grow
  7. We fill the space both horizontally and vertically with carbon capturing, temperature managing, water controlling, pollution trapping, biodiverse biomass.

© Dream for Trees 2023