What to Buy for a Tree Planting Day

A tree planting day needs more than trees and spades. You need enough digging tools for each work area, water for newly planted trees, and a simple refreshment setup for volunteers. Plan supplies around the number of volunteers and planting teams, then check access to water and electricity before shopping. This list also covers the items people often arrange too late, such as drinking water, extension cords, waste bins and signs.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Folding tableqty 6
Folding chairqty 60
Beer tableqty 4
Waste binqty 6

Tools

Spadeqty 12
Scoopqty 8
Augerqty 4
Wheelbarrowqty 4
Rakeqty 6
Pruning shearsqty 4
Rubber malletqty 6
Spirit levelqty 3
Measuring tapeqty 4
Jerrycanqty 8
Garden hoseqty 2
Watering canqty 10

Equipment

Cool boxqty 4
Kettleqty 2
Coffee makerqty 2
Extension cordqty 4
Power stripqty 3

Lighting

LED work lightqty 4
String lightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable plateqty 70
Reusable cupqty 100
Cutlery setqty 70
Serving spoonqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Thermosqty 6
Cool crateqty 4

Safety

Work gloveqty 60
Safety gogglesqty 20
Rain ponchoqty 20
Basic first aid kitqty 2

Decorations

Welcome sign
Information boardqty 4
Arrow signqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketqty 6
Dishpanqty 3
Hand brush and dustpanqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mixed salad - 2 kilos
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Spice mix - 2 jars
- Potato salad - 4 kilos
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Vegetable burgers - 60 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Tea towels - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan one spade and one scoop for every two planting volunteers, then add at least one auger, wheelbarrow and rake per work area. This prevents teams from waiting for the same tool.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra reusable cups and at least one cool box for chilled drinks.
Prepare a water point before volunteers arrive: use jerrycans, a garden hose and watering cans, and plan enough water for both drinking and watering newly planted trees.
Buy or bring 10–15% more reusable plates, cups and cutlery than the number of volunteers. Serving spoons, a cutting board and chef’s knife are easy to overlook until the buffet is being set up.
Check power and shelter at least 2–3 days beforehand. Pack extension cords, a power strip and LED work lights if the reception, coffee station or clean-up may continue in low light.

Frequently asked questions

How many planting tools do I need for a tree planting day?: For a practical starting point, provide one spade and one scoop for every two volunteers. Add one wheelbarrow, rake and auger for each separate work area, then keep one spare hand tool of each common type on site.
How much water and drinks should I buy for tree planting day?: Plan 2–3 drinks per volunteer during the first hour and about 1 drink per hour after that. Keep separate water available for the trees, using jerrycans, a hose or watering cans according to the site’s access.
When should I prepare the shopping for a tree planting day?: Complete the main shopping at least 2–3 days before the event. Check chilled drinks, fresh food, batteries, tool availability and the weather again the day before, so missing items can still be replaced.
How many cups and plates do I need for volunteers?: Count one set per volunteer, then add 10–15% spare reusable plates, cups and cutlery. For 40 volunteers, that means preparing approximately 44–46 of each item.

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