The communities and local government secretary, will use the launch of the 34th annual National Tree Week to make her clarion call for trees at the House of Commons.

"She will give a reminder that more trees are essential if we are to secure our green future," said the National Tree Council, which is backing her call.

Baroness Andrews is to speak at a private event in the commons on 26 November. National Tree Week runs from that day to 7 December.

Director-general of the Tree Council, Pauline Buchanan Black, said:

"The presence of trees in our environment is so normal to us that we tend to forget their immense value.

"But there are social and economic reasons to plant trees as well as environmental ones. They have a proven positive impact on crime reduction and improve health.

"We need trees, now more than ever, to help ensure a green future for everything from humans to lichens. Without trees our towns and countryside would look bleak."

National Tree Week first ran in 1975, and encourages tree planting, walks and talks to raise tree awareness. Tree Council is an environmental charity.

Visit http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/