The dataset contains information from 234 trees at six sites across the UK collected in 2018. The tree species studied were Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore), Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut), Fagus sylvatica (beech), Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), Quercus cerris (Turkey oak), Q. petraea (sessile oak), Q. robur (pedunculate oak), Q. rubra (red oak) and Tilia x europaea (common lime). The presence of all lichens and bryophyte species on the trunk to a height of 1.75m were recorded in addition to the presence of the lichens on branches and twigs where these were accessible. The bark characteristics recorded were bark pH, ridge and furrow width, furrow depth, hardness, water holding capacity and the bark patterning. The soil variables studied were: nitrogen mineralization and decomposition rate, total soil carbon and nitrogen, loss on ignition, soil pH and soil temperature. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy data from the soil samples is also presented along with data on site location and the habitat characteristics surrounding the sampled trees. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/f539567f-a8cd-482e-89b8-64a951b52d93