What you need for a tree planting day
A tree planting day needs more than trees and shovels. Plan supplies for digging, moving and watering trees, then add stakes, ties and compost so each tree can be secured properly. You will also need gloves, high-visibility vests and first aid kits, plus signs, tables and shelter for volunteers. Buy or collect the materials early enough to inspect tools, confirm delivery and keep roots moist if planting is delayed.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Party tentsqty 2
- Tablesqty 6
- Chairsqty 70
- Beer tablesqty 4
- Reception folding table
Tools
- Shovelsqty 20
- Scoopsqty 12
- Rakesqty 8
- Hoesqty 8
- Wheelbarrowsqty 6
- Augersqty 2
- Hammerqty 6
- Pruning shearsqty 6
- Measuring tapesqty 4
- Watering canqty 10
- Water hosesqty 2
- Jerry cansqty 8
- Work glovesqty 70
- Wheelbarrow matsqty 4
Plant material
- Young treesqty 30
- Tree stakesqty 30
- Tree strapsqty 30
- Compostqty 20
- Tree barkqty 12
- Root clothqty 2
- Plant labelsqty 40
- Tie wireqty 3
Safety
- First aid kitsqty 2
- Safety gogglesqty 20
- Safety vestsqty 12
- Crowd control barriersqty 8
- Barrier tapeqty 4
- Flashlightsqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 100
- Platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Coffee cupsqty 70
- Serving plattersqty 10
Kitchen
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Coolersqty 4
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Bread knivesqty 4
- Serving spoonsqty 6
- Pliersqty 4
Decorations
- Welcome sign
- Information boardsqty 4
- Route arrowsqty 8
- Chalkboardsqty 3
Lighting
- LED light stringsqty 6
- LED lanternsqty 8
Equipment
- Megaphone
- Mobile phoneqty 2
Cleaning
- Bucketsqty 6
- Broom setsqty 4
- Trash binsqty 6
- Litter pickersqty 4
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Still water - 8 crates
- Sparkling water - 3 crates
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Boiled ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable stock - 2 boxes
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 10 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
Tips
- Count one pair of work gloves and one safety vest per active volunteer, plus at least 10% spare. Add safety goggles for anyone using an auger, hammer or other equipment that can throw soil or debris.
- Allow one shovel or scoop for every two volunteers working in the planting area. For larger trees or wet ground, add wheelbarrows, mats and watering cans so teams are not waiting for equipment.
- Prepare one tree stake, one tree strap and one plant label for every tree. Keep tie wire and a hammer available for adjustments after planting, because stakes are often fitted later than expected.
- Order compost, bark and root cloth by the number of planting locations, not just by the number of trees. Confirm the supplier’s delivery time at least 48 hours before the event and arrange temporary storage where roots can stay moist.
- Plan drinking water and chilled drinks for the full work period, not only the arrival break. Set up tables, chairs, tents and information signs before volunteers arrive, and keep first aid kits at the reception table and work area.
Frequently asked questions
- What tools do I need for a tree planting day?
- For a basic team, provide shovels, scoops, rakes, hoes, wheelbarrows, watering cans and measuring tapes. A useful starting point is one digging tool for every two active volunteers, with at least 10% spare tools available.
- How many tree stakes and straps do I need?
- Plan one tree stake and one tree strap for every young tree, plus about 10% extra for breakage or adjustments. Buy one plant label per tree so locations and species can still be identified after planting.
- When should trees and planting materials be delivered?
- Confirm the tree delivery at least 48 hours before the planting day. If trees arrive early, arrange a shaded temporary storage area and keep the roots moist until planting starts.
- How much safety equipment is needed for volunteers?
- Provide one pair of work gloves and one safety vest per active volunteer, with at least 10% spare. Keep first aid kits on site before setup begins, and provide safety goggles for volunteers using powered or impact tools.
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