What to Bring for a Tree Planting Day

A Tree Planting Day needs more than trees and shovels. Plan supplies for marking holes, digging, watering, breaks, food service, first aid, waste and changing daylight. Order trees and shrubs early, then check that drinks can stay cold and that tools match the number of volunteers. This shopping list helps you prepare the work area and the shared meal without leaving essentials until the morning of the planting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3
Teapotsqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6
Cut-resistant glovesqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8

Sports equipment

Shovelsqty 12
Scoopsqty 8
Rakesqty 8
Hoesqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 6
Pitchersqty 10
Water hosesqty 3
Tree stakesqty 60
Tree stakesqty 60
Tree strapsqty 60
Plantersqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 4
Augersqty 3
Buckets of waterqty 12
Rope rollsqty 4
Work glovesqty 70
Knee padsqty 20
Safety gogglesqty 30
Safety vestsqty 20
Rain barrelsqty 2
Plant labelsqty 70
Waterproof markersqty 10
Measuring rulersqty 4
Wooden hammersqty 6
Garden tool setsqty 10
Bootsqty 20
Rain ponchosqty 30
Picnic blanketsqty 8

Decorations

Route arrowsqty 12
Info boardsqty 4
Chalkboardsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 8
Name stickersqty 80
Buntingqty 6
Markersqty 20
Notepadsqty 10

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Towel rollsqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Work bucketsqty 6
Litter pickersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Wholegrain rolls - 80 pieces
- Pistolets - 40 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 3 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Nut bars - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Chocolate milk - 10 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Orange soda - 8 liters
- Spa Blauw - 60 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 liters
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Organic dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber cleaning gloves - 8 pairs
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one shovel or scoop for every two volunteers, plus rakes for clearing soil and paths. Put tools together before participants arrive so the first planting group can start immediately.
Bring enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the largest meal service, with at least 10% extra for replacements. Coffee cups, coffee pots, teapots, kettles and thermos flasks should be counted separately from cold-drink service.
Keep drinks in coolers and chill them before the event rather than relying on ice at the last minute. For the first hour, allow roughly two to three drinks per person, then add water for the full working period.
Set up waste bins beside the catering area and arrange collection before the planting day. Party tents, foldable tables and buffet tables are easy to overlook when the weather changes, so confirm their availability at least 48 hours beforehand.
Prepare a safety point with first-aid equipment, cut-resistant gloves, flashlights and LED lamps. Add extension cords and power strips only after checking the route and keeping cables away from wet ground and planting areas.

Frequently asked questions

How many shovels do I need for a Tree Planting Day?: A practical starting point is one shovel or scoop for every two volunteers, with at least two extra tools for replacements. For 20 volunteers, prepare about 12 digging tools and several rakes for clearing soil.
How much food and drink should I buy for tree planting?: For drinks, allow about two to three per person during the first hour, plus water for the rest of the work. Buy or book food for the confirmed registrations and add around 10% extra portions if attendance can change.
When should I order trees and shrubs for a planting day?: Order them as soon as the planting plan, permissions and site checks are complete, preferably several weeks before the event. Confirm the delivery date at least 48 hours beforehand and arrange temporary storage and watering immediately after arrival.
What should I bring if the weather gets dark or wet?: Prepare party tents, waterproof storage or covers, LED lamps and flashlights at least 24 hours before the event. Check the forecast again the day before, and keep extension cords and power strips away from wet ground.

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