Once the excess saplings are harvested, it’s time to plant them. This phase offers trees and shrubs a second chance to grow to maturity. Anyone can request and collect trees for free, and ask volunteers to help with planting. This is a fun and memorable experience for volunteers!
Surplus saplings and shrubs harvested on harvest day are relocated on a planting day to areas where they have a greater chance of survival. Planting locations vary widely in shape and size, such as backyard gardens, food forests, and farmyards.
The trees are usually between 50 and 150 cm.
The optimal time to plant trees and shrubs is between November and mid-March. The sooner a tree is replanted after harvest, the better for its health.
Cold weather, chilly but not freezing, is perfect weather for plants. Ideally, it should be dry, partly cloudy, and with minimal wind. This ‘fridge weather’ allows the plant to get fresh air without getting wet. The roots of the tree are also protected from wind or sun damage. In cold conditions, sap flow is halted, allowing the tree to be moved without adverse effects.
Planting day starts with choosing the best spot for the trees and shrubs. The required depth and width of the holes in which the trees are planted vary based on the species of the tree and the landscape. Once the hole is dug, the tree or shrub is carefully placed in it to ensure the roots are not damaged. The hole is then filled. However, note that the process is a little different when planting a cutting!
The Tree Planner The Tree Planner is a digital platform that connects all project participants. This online system provides profiles for Tree Hubs, harvest supervisors, planting sites, and volunteers. Using the Tree Planner, you can sign up for a planting day, a harvest, or tree giveaway event. Collecting trees for your planting location can be done on a harvest or giveaway day. Finding people to help with planting can be done by creating your own planting day in the Tree Planner.
Can you collect trees and shrubs without making an account in the Tree Planner? Visit moretreesnow.eco/agenda and sign in as a guest, or download the app in the Google Play or Appstore to view all harvesting and distribution days in your area! If you need volunteers to assist with planting, an account is required.
Have you obtained seedlings and want to plant them? Then read our comprehensive planting guide!
