We know that trees have powerful resilience benefits in our communities, from providing shade on hot days to reducing flood risk during heavy rain events. As part of our Network’s urban forestry initiative, Groundwork Affiliates are diligently planting trees in residents’ yards and on public streets in neighborhoods that most need them. In 2024, we cumulatively planted just shy of 4,000 trees!
However, getting trees into the ground is only the first step in building strong urban canopies – we also need long-term stewardship of the trees to ensure they can survive and thrive, realizing all their environmental and health benefits.
The best way to care for newly planted trees is with your community! Across the country, Groundwork Affiliates – from Rhode Island to California – are training teams of residents of all ages to care for their tree canopy. Groundwork Milwaukee (WI) piloted a new Tree Stewards program, training community residents in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood to properly water and mulch the trees they helped plant. In New Jersey, Groundwork Elizabeth launched an adopt-a-tree program that encourages broad community buy-in from residents who live near their planting sites.
No team; no problem. While organized community-based strategies like these are ideal, there are many things we can do as individuals to care for the trees on our properties and in our neighborhoods.
Here are some quick tips to keep the trees in your community healthy and happy:
WATERING YOUR TREE
- For the first three years after planting, trees need ~10 gallons of water once a week (roughly equal to two large buckets of water)
- Water slowly close to the base of the tree using a hose on a low setting or a large bucket
- After three years, the tree’s root system is established and will only need to be watered in drought conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR TREE
- Keep a thin, donut-shaped ring of mulch around the tree’s base, keeping it away from the trunk to protect the roots
- Remove weeds, litter, and animal waste from around the base of the tree
- Avoid parking vehicles or placing heavy objects near the base of young trees
- After ~2 years, check in with an arborist to see if your tree requires pruning
PROTECTING YOUR TREE
- Add a loose tree guard at the base of newly planted trees to protect their sensitive root area from lawn mowers or weed whackers
- Add stakes around the tree base in areas with higher foot traffic, such as within public right-of-ways
