New Search
Trees are planted (each team plants about ten trees in a morning) <br /> Tree positioned properly with soil line at white mark painted on trunk when <br /> trees were picked up; stake(s) pounded in, moving tree temporarily out of <br /> way of pounders; Planting Team leader inspects each site before backfilling <br /> begins <br /> Planting hole is gently backfilled, breaking up soil clods to prevent large <br /> air pockets; NO feet or heavy tools used to pack soil! <br /> Entire planting area is hand- tilled, with planters backing away from the <br /> tree to prevent soil compaction and breaking up the larger clods; planting <br /> area should be even, so irrigation water covers the entire area when <br /> applied (do not build "watering saucers ") <br /> Site cleaned up using square -tip shovel to remove soil from sidewalk, curb, <br /> and gutter; adjacent turf is raked clean, in preparation for mulching <br /> Add 4 -inch layer of coarse wood chips to entire planting area <br /> Sweep and hose down sidewalk, curb, and gutter <br /> Water tree in well using neighbor's faucet and hose, if available, then <br /> spritz chips to make everything look pretty! <br /> Tie tree to stake at knee - height or lower, to encourage strong trunk <br /> development <br /> Note remaining site needs, if any, such as removal of sod pile, then <br /> proceed top next planting sites until all trees are planted <br /> Return to headquarters to clean tools <br /> Organized lunch and CELEBRATION!! <br /> AFTER PLANTING DAY <br /> Thank -you's sent out to all those involved with the project <br /> Monthly monitoring of young trees by neighborhood volunteer(s) to ensure that <br /> trees remain properly staked, the planting area is kept free of competing <br /> vegetation, and the trees are watered once a week with 15 gallons per tree <br /> Stakes removed in fall following planting (or just the ties are removed, with <br /> stakes remaining to provide protection to young trunks for an additional year or <br /> so) <br /> Trees pruned in winter following planting, removing surplus and lower branches, <br /> as required, and encouraging where appropriate the development of a single leader <br /> DO IT ALL AGAIN!! And soon our community will be filled with healthy trees that <br /> are watched over and cared for by the very people who reap the many benefits that <br /> the trees' canopies provide, yippee! <br /> program.ngh <br /> Updated August 1992 <br />