Treeplanting FAQs
Q: When should we plant?
In many growing zones there are very specific months in which trees may be successfully planted with the minimum amount of care. Newly planted trees need time to establish deep and broad root systems. Although trees can often be planted outside these months, the amount of care required increases. The size of the root ball is also a factor to consider. Larger root balls are more expensive and difficult to plant, but have a better survival rate in dry climates. Check with your local authority for guidance.
Q: What type of tree should we plant?
When considering the type of tree you should plant for your tree planting project, first speak with an arborist or a local professional such as a forester or horticulturalist. If you are partnering with another organisation on your tree planting project consult with your partner. Also remember to consider trees native to the area where the trees will be planted. Native trees will be suited to the local climate and more likely to grow without extensive care. Non-native trees may not be your best choice and may require more care to grow.
Q: What if we don't have a budget for tree planting this year?
No problem! There are many partners with tree planting budgets who are looking for volunteers to help them plant trees.
- Contact your local authority or university environmental or resiliency office
- Write to the District and let us know you are looking for partners with a description of your project to share
Q: Would planting food producing trees be acceptable?
Planting food producing trees is a great tree planting project. Be aware that there are additional considerations as well as benefits. Before starting your project, consult with a local horticulturist, arborist or agricultural agent that specialises in food producing trees. Professionals can give you advice on site selection and trees species that would be best suited to your site as well as pest and disease resistance issues. Most food producing trees will also require pruning and additional care to insure successful production. Be certain that these aspects are part of your tree planting plan.
Q: How can we make sure our trees survive?
That's a great question. After all, we are growing trees, not just planting them. Trees survive best when experts help in planning to plant the right tree, at the right time, in the right place. Before the first hole is dug, consider who will care for the trees. You increase survival rates by timing the planting in the spring season when growth conditions are at their peak.
Q: How big is a tree?
The size of the tree that you plant will depend on your project and budget. If you are considering as a project to be part of a reforestation project then you may plant what is called bare root stock. These trees are small perhaps a couple years old, and easy to plant because the tree requires a very small hole. If your project is part of a city street tree planting project the trees could be relative large, 5 to 10 years old and may require specialised equipment to plant the trees.
Q: How much should we pay for our trees?
The size of the tree will determine the price. You can shop online and at local nurseries and forestry services to determine the market price for a wide variety of trees size and varieties. If you are partnering with another organisation they may take on the responsibility to purchase the trees.
Q: How do we share our tree planting project with the District?
Send an email to rotary7030env@gmail.com and let us know the date of your activity, the number of trees planted (or details of how you raised awareness), and how many members of the Rotary family took part. If you have photos, please include them with your email. In addition to sharing your results with the District, we also encourage you to share your tree planting project on social media, using the hashtag #7030treeplanting.