The scheme, funded through £85,000 raised from Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) penalties, was introduced as part of efforts to increase greenery across the city.
Residents were invited to select a location for a tree, such as a grass verge or street , via the Trees for Streets online platform, before being asked to pay £350 and take responsibility for watering it themselves.
The project is a partnership between the council and charity Trees for Cities. However, figures obtained by Glasgow Live show that just 23 applications have been submitted since the pilot began last July.
Of those, only 11 remain under assessment, four have been rejected and the rest withdrawn. A Freedom of Information request has also revealed that “none are ready for acceptance at this stage”.
The plans previously attracted criticism from residents unhappy at the cost, with some questioning whether the LEZ funding could be better spent elsewhere.
Chris Miles said: “Can’t. Already sponsored a pothole. Every time I burst a tyre, I donate £150 to Kwik Fit.”
John Williamson added: “More like sponsor a pothole.”
Liz Young said: “This is a joke surely. Use the LEZ money to fix the roads and pavements, and then plant some trees if you want, but don’t pretend it costs £350 to plant a tree and charge people for it.”
Catherine Smith joked: “Is this money going to aid Special Branch?? Do they think money grows on trees? Definitely barking up the wrong tree for this.”
Despite the backlash, Cllr Angus Millar, city convener for climate, has previously defended the initiative, saying it could empower residents and help tackle climate change.
He said: “Tree planting is an ongoing priority for the council and this partnership with Trees for Streets will complement our wider greening programme across Glasgow. By sponsoring a street tree, you’ll be helping to create greener neighbourhoods and play a part in the city’s response to the climate crisis.
“We also welcome sponsorship from businesses who are looking to create a lasting impact in their local communities. Support is also available from Trees for Streets to organise a crowdfunding campaign to green an entire street.
“Sponsoring a street tree is a great way to make our neighbourhoods greener, more pleasant places to live and can create a real sense of neighbourhood connection. I would urge residents and businesses to look at this new scheme and consider planting a tree in a place that’s important to them.”
A council spokesperson said: “Tree planting remains a clear priority for the council, and the street tree sponsorship scheme forms part of wider plans to expand Glasgow’s urban tree canopy.
“The scheme is designed to support direct involvement by residents in greening their own streets, with residual LEZ penalty charge income used to subsidise the cost to sponsors.
“The scheme is a three-year pilot, launched last July, and awareness and participation are expected to grow over time.
“Planting trees in urban streets can present constraints, and some applications have not been able to progress due to the site being unavailable or practical limitations such as underground services or road safety requirements.
“Urban trees play a vital role in tackling climate change, enhancing the quality of our streets, strengthening people’s connection to nature, and supporting better mental and physical health.
“Where possible, we will work with potential sponsors to identify suitable alternative locations and will continue to promote the scheme in partnership with Trees for Streets over the lifetime of the pilot.”
