What to Buy for a Tree Planting Day

A tree planting day needs more than trees and shovels. You will need planting materials, enough tools for volunteers, protective equipment, water access and a practical refreshment setup. Buy or reserve the items below after confirming the planting plan, tree species and expected volunteer numbers. Check deliveries and missing equipment at least one week ahead, because replacement tools, trees and restroom facilities may take time to arrange.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Beer table setsqty 4
Information desk
Blanketsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Plant material

Treesqty 20
Tree stakesqty 40
Tree strapsqty 20
Compostqty 20
Tree barkqty 10
Pitchersqty 8
Water hosesqty 3

Tools

Shovelsqty 12
Scoopsqty 8
Rakesqty 6
Hoesqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Bucketsqty 10
Work glovesqty 60
Pruning shearsqty 4

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 12
Safety vestsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 8
Warning signsqty 6

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Direction arrowsqty 10
Name stickersqty 80
Markersqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Water jugsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian burgers - 30 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 30 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Diet-free sandwiches - 10 pieces

Tips

Plan tools around the number of people planting at the same time: provide one shovel, scoop or hoe for roughly every two to three volunteers, then add rakes, wheelbarrows and buckets for shared use.
Order trees, stakes, straps, compost and bark only after the planting layout and species are confirmed. Keep trees temporarily in a shaded, protected place and check the delivery as soon as it arrives.
Allow at least one pair of work gloves and one safety vest per active volunteer. Keep safety goggles available for tasks involving soil, branches or flying debris, with a few spare pairs for late arrivals.
Set up water before the first planting shift starts: hoses for the beds and pitchers or buckets for drinking water. For a half-day event, plan about 1 litre of drinking water per person, plus extra for warm weather.
Do not leave site comfort until the final week. Arrange tents, tables, chairs, coolers, coffee machines, kettles, extension cords and waste collection early, and confirm restroom facilities before invitations go out.

Frequently asked questions

How many shovels do I need for a tree planting day?: Plan one shovel for every two to three people planting at the same time. For 20 active planters, start with 7 to 10 shovels and add scoops, hoes, rakes and wheelbarrows for shared tasks.
How much water should I buy for a tree planting event?: Allow at least 1 litre of drinking water per person for a half-day event, and increase this in warm weather. Also arrange hoses or buckets so newly planted trees can be watered immediately.
When should I order trees and planting materials?: Confirm the species, quantities and planting plan before ordering. Place the order at least 2 to 4 weeks before the planting day, then confirm the delivery date and inspect the trees when they arrive.
What safety equipment is needed for tree planting?: Provide work gloves and safety vests for every active volunteer, plus safety goggles for tasks where soil, branches or debris may reach the face. Keep several spare sets available and explain the safe use of tools before work begins.

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