Please share the following information with neighborhood volunteers and community groups before planting day. Remember, we need each representative from each household receiving a tree to complete the TreePlanters Grants Volunteer Agreement. Volunteers can save time at check-in by registering in advance using the unique event link.
The schedule below outlines the structure of the day, and beneath the schedule we have answered several frequently asked questions about planting days.
Schedule
| 7:30-8:30am | Openlands staff arrives and begins placing trees, setting up equipment, and preparing for the day. |
| 8:30-9am | Volunteers arrive, check-in, and enjoy refreshments. |
| 9-9:15am | Introductions, overview of day, and warm-ups. |
| 9:15-9:30am | Volunteers are broken into small groups to be led by TreeKeepers and Openlands staff |
| 9:30am-12:30pm | Planting, mulching, and watering of the new trees. |
| 12:30-1pm | Clean up, wrap up, and thank you’s |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plants the trees?
Can I plant my own tree on another day? I won’t be available on planting day.
Will every resident in an approved grant get a tree?
What types of trees does Openlands plant?
How big are the trees at planting?
I requested a tree but don’t like where it was approved to be planted, can I move it?
My neighbors and I want specific and/or the same kind of trees, can we do that?
There are marked locations for two trees and I only requested one. Can we plant it in between the marks?
Can I have a smaller growing tree or shrub for my parkway?
Why have the utility lines on my parkway been marked?
How do I take care of my trees over time?
Who plants the trees?
The volunteers actually plant the new trees. With the help of our TreeKeepers, we work to educate community members on proper planting methods and tree care. This not only ensures the health of the trees planted at these events, but also gives volunteers knowledge that they can use in their own backyards.
Can I plant my own tree on another day? I won’t be available on planting day.
No, Openlands is not a landscape contractor or tree nursery. We organize community tree plantings that requires participation from all volunteers on the same day.
Will every resident in an approved grant get a tree?
It is important to remember that a tree is not guaranteed to be planted until it is actually planted in the ground. Possible issues can concern utilities, new construction, electric lines, light and traffic signs, old stumps, or standing dead trees.
What types of trees does Openlands plant?
Openlands selects mostly large, urban-tolerant, native shade trees, such as oaks, northern catalpa, and Kentucky coffee trees.
How big are the trees at planting?
The trunk of the trees are around two inches in caliper size, which is measured 6” from ground level. The trees range in height depending on their species, with an average height of ten feet.
Here are some examples of the size of trees we plant.
I requested a tree, but I don’t like where it was approved to be planted. Can I move it?
No. The inspector identified those locations based on city standards which include many factors, such as distance from fire hydrants, light poles, driveways, alleys, and other trees. It is important that the tree is planted where it was approved to allow it to flourish.
My neighbors and I want a specific and/or the same kind of trees, can we do that?
We choose our trees for the planting season based on city standards, nursery availability, parkway conditions, and to encourage species diversity in the neighborhood. Openlands Forestry Team members are International Society of Arboriculture certified arborists and do our best to choose the ‘right tree for the right place.’
There are marked locations for two trees and I only requested one. Can we plant it in between the marks?
No. The marks are placed to provide the maximum number of trees on the street and we will not split the difference.
Can I have a smaller growing tree or shrub for my parkway?
Unless there are specific circumstances that would require a smaller or understory tree to be planted, Openlands plants shade trees that are large at maturity because they increase the overall tree canopy cover in the city, soak up more stormwater, provide more habitat for wildlife, and lower energy costs for residents by casting more shade.
I’m concerned about utility lines or why have the utility lines on my parkway been marked?
Openlands secures all appropriate right of way permits for the planting day. Through this process, DIGGER or JULIE are notified of all planting locations and will mark appropriate utility lines. This ensures volunteer safety and the correct placement of trees.
How do I take care of my trees over time?
We have all the information you need to take care of your trees laid out on here.
For more information on the TreePlanters Grants program or if you have any additional questions about planting day, please contact trees@openlands.org or call 312.863.6256.