What you need for a tree planting day

A tree planting day needs more than trees and shovels. You will need enough tools for the number of volunteers, a reliable way to water trees before and after planting, and basic serving equipment for breaks. This shopping list also covers practical items people often arrange too late, such as extension cords, work lights, measuring tools, and reusable cups. Check quantities against your volunteer registrations before buying or reserving anything.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Beer tablesqty 4
Folding counter
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2
Serving jugsqty 6

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Hot platesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Handheld megaphone

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Tools

Shovelsqty 16
Scoopsqty 8
Rakesqty 8
Hoesqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Augersqty 2
Measuring tapesqty 4
Rubber malletsqty 6
Pruning shearsqty 4
Hand brushesqty 4

Plant material

Tree stakesqty 90
Tree strapsqty 90
Tree basketsqty 80
Plant labelsqty 100

Safety

Safety helmetsqty 30
Work glovesqty 100
Safety gogglesqty 30
Safety vestsqty 30
First aid kitsqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Warning signsqty 8

Water

Water hosesqty 4
Pitchersqty 12
Water barrelsqty 4

Decorations

Welcome sign
Route signsqty 8
Information boardsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Native trees - 80 pieces
- Native shrubs - 20 pieces
- Tree soil - 40 bags
- Compost - 20 bags
- Bark mulch - 15 bags
- Wooden plant labels - 100 pieces
- Highlighters - 12 pieces
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Tie wire - 4 rolls
- Marker flags - 100 pieces
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Lemonade - 12 liters
- Still mineral water - 60 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Wholegrain wraps - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 kilo
- Jam - 2 kilos
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Chicken salad - 3 kilo
- Egg salad - 3 kilos
- Vegan vegetable spread - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 200 pieces
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Cooling packs - 24 pieces

Tips

Plan tools around the number of people planting at the same time. Provide at least one shovel per active planter pair, then add rakes, hoes, scoops, wheelbarrows, and augers for shared work.
Arrange water before the trees arrive. Newly delivered trees should not sit dry while the team is preparing the site, so have a temporary watering setup ready on delivery day.
Reserve power equipment together with the cables. Kettles, hot plates, work lights, and string lights may require extension cords and power strips, and outdoor sockets are often limited.
Do not leave serving supplies until the final shopping trip. Count registered volunteers and prepare reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee pots, teapots, and serving jugs for the planned break.
Add a small finishing kit for the planting area. Measuring tapes, rubber mallets, pruning shears, and hand brushes are easy to overlook but useful when marking beds, adjusting supports, and cleaning tools.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a tree planting day?: For the planting work, plan shovels, scoops, rakes, hoes, wheelbarrows, augers, measuring tapes, rubber mallets, pruning shears, and hand brushes. The number depends on how many people work simultaneously; one shovel for every two active planters is a practical starting point.
How much water do I need for newly delivered trees?: Arrange a water supply before delivery and keep the trees watered temporarily if planting cannot start immediately. Have enough capacity to water every tree on arrival and again after planting, rather than relying on a single small container.
What should I bring for food and drinks at a planting day?: For a volunteer break, prepare reusable cups, plates, cutlery sets, coffee pots, teapots, serving jugs, kettles, hot plates, and coolers. Count registered attendees first, then add a small reserve so supplies do not run out during the break.
Do I need lighting and power for a tree planting day?: You may need work lights and extension cords if setup, delivery checks, or cleanup happen in low light. Add power strips for kettles, hot plates, or other equipment, and check the available outdoor power points before the event.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.