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Steps for Successful Tree Planting Projects

PLANNING

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  • Develop a goal to create a positive environmental change.
  • Plan in advance.
  • Learn the history of the site.
  • Develop a master plan with long & short term goals.
  • Solicit input from qualified professionals, including arborists and landscape architects, to identify appropriate plant selection and location.
  • Identify and prepare a detailed schedule for all planning, preparation, planting, and maintenance activities.


LEADERSHIP

  • Develop a leadership team that includes a cross section of the community and stakeholders, including qualified professionals.
  • Identify a person in the team with the vision, commitment, organizational and leaderships skills to submit the grant and coordinate activities.
 

VOLUNTEERS

  • Ensure adequate volunteer commitment, both short and long term.
  • Consider the logistics, transportation needs, tools, activities, costs, and a detailed schedule for your project.
  • Ensure adequate volunteer involvement on planting day. 
  • Train volunteers prior to planting day.
 

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

  • Ensure adequate long and short term commitment from qualified technical experts that include arborists and landscape architects.
  • Ask for input from qualified professionals or arborists about appropriate plant selection.
  • Verify that appropriate quality plant material is available and the planting stock is inspected. 
  • Prepare the site – clearing/grubbing, digging holes, delivery of materials, grading, and the irrigation has been installed prior to planting day.

 

COMMUNITY BUILDING

  • Inform the community via announcements, newsletters, etc. 
  • Develop a communication / information plan for tracking the project and keeping the community involved.
 

PLANTING DAY

  • Prepare volunteer sign-in sheets for volunteers to sign. 
  • Identify volunteer assignments.
  • Provide technical supervision for all volunteers.
  • Set up the site with tools and equipment in place.
  • Provide refreshments.
  • Clean up the site and return all tools and equipment.
 

POST PLANTING

  • Evaluate if the project has created a positive environmental change. 
  • Begin a tree maintenance program—see checklist.
  • Identify and verify qualified individuals responsible to ensure and conduct maintenance.
  • Ensure that funds and supplies are available for maintenance.
  • Develop a check list for a project review after one year, for example, the stakes have been removed, and the irrigation is working.
  • Submit a one year report on the conditions of the trees to the Kaulunani Council.
  • Follow-up and ensure compliance with the long term maintenance plan (up to 5 years) that includes checking if the trees are healthy, vigorous and structurally sound, mulch is present, and stakes removed.
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