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the first growing season. Most trees require only a single stake and, due to <br /> prevailing north winds in the southern Willamette Valley during the growing <br /> season, the stake is driven on the north side of the tree, 4 -6 inches from the <br /> trunk. The tree is tied quite low (below knee - height) to secure it, while <br /> allowing enough sway for good trunk development. <br /> Lunch and Celebration <br /> Planting teams that finish early report back to headquarters, where they can <br /> be reassigned to help teams that have not yet finished. Then, at the speci- <br /> fied time, everyone meets back at headquarters for lunch and celebration. <br /> Afterward, if any work remains to be done, those volunteers who are able to <br /> stay continue until all is done. <br /> AFTER PLANTING DAY <br /> Thank -vou's <br /> Thank you notes need to be sent to everyone involved, in whatever capacity, <br /> with the planting (volunteers, local businesses, etc.). <br /> Evaluation <br /> It is helpful for the Project Leader and anyone else who is interested to get <br /> together to review the project, noting what worked well and what aspects of <br /> the planting could have gone more smoothly. This information needs to be <br /> passed on the City's NeighborWoods Coordinator, so we can all benefit from <br /> each group's experience. <br /> Maintenance <br /> The Maintenance Plan should have been mostly completed prior to Planting Day. <br /> At this point, it can be put into its final form, and then information <br /> regarding maintenance can be mailed or delivered to each home with new trees. <br /> IV. PROTECTION AND CARE <br /> Monitoring the New Trees <br /> It is helpful if one or two neighbors agree to monitor the new plantings <br /> throughout the establishment period of two to three years. Often, an older <br /> neighbor can be recruited to walk or bicycle around to all the new trees at <br /> least once each month, to ensure that all is well. And if a neighbor needs to <br /> be reminded to weed the mulched area, or water the tree, the older neighbor <br /> can offer a few kind words of encouragement. <br /> General Care <br /> For reasons stated above, the mulched area must be kept weed -free and uncom- <br /> pacted for at least the first two growing seasons. During the summer drought, <br /> 11 <br />