1. Frequently asked Questions
2. Tips for planting trees
3. Tree Survey - Guidelines

FAQ

Q: What are the basics which need to be followed for planting a tree?
A: The tree pit needs to be filled with sand, manure and top soil in the ratio of 1:1:1 and a small amount of red earth, if available, to take care of the micronutrient requirements. By properly placing a layer of coconut husks at the bottom of the 2.5 ft deep pit before planting a tree, water needs of the tree can be met for even 15 days and thus considerable labor and expenses can be reduced.

Q: Do we have to take any special measures for a newly planted tree?
A: The tree needs to be staked soon after planting to give temporary support until it gets enough girth to stand upright.

Q: What time of the day / year can a tree be planted?
A: It is preferable to plant the seedling in the evening and in winter so that it escapes the rigors of the sun resulting in better success rates.

Q: Do we have to place a tree guard for any tree that is planted?
A: Very often the cost of tree guards makes the people loose their enthusiasm to plant trees. But this can be overcome by selecting trees and shrubs which will not be grazed by cattle and hence do not need tree guards.

Q: What do we do while planting trees in case of overhead space constraints?
A: Where trees cannot be planted because of overhead space constraint, small sized trees or better known as shrubs can be planted. These will not grow tall and hence will not face the axe from linemen. They are also guardians of environment to the extent of their size.

Tips

SIX Ps in tree planting

PLANNING - site selection, where there is no underground cables or pipelines or overhead lines
PICKING - Tree selection to suit the width of the road and the requirement of shade or flowers or both.
PLANTING - Digging to an adequate depth; filling with soil mix depending upon the terrain; placing the seedling at the right depth and pressing the soil firmly around the seedling to prevent air pockets which are responsible for rotting.
PROTECTING - With Stakes and tree guards and with temporary shades if the sun is too hot.
PAMPHERING - Watering the tree daily for a week and saying a few encouraging and applauding words to the tree.
PRUNING - Trimming the unwanted side branches in winter or rainy season even when the tree is young so that it minimizes the injury and does not harm the tree.

Tree Survey - Guidelines

1. Indicate whether the trees are on the left or right of the road commencing from the starting point

2. The serial number in the two sheets should match and refer to the same tree

3. The common name of the tree known to the volunteer or obtained from enquiry should be entered. It can be the English name, Tamil name or name in any other language

4. The age of the tree may be recorded as Young/Mature/Old as the case may be.

5. Height and Canopy diameter in metres may be estimated comparing with height of buildings and electricity poles, width of road nearby.

6. The circumference of tree trunks in cms. may be measured by a flexible tape.

7. The health of the tree may be recorded as Sick/Fair/Good as the case may be

8. If a tree is not easily identifiable

(a) Collect specimen of leaves, flower, fruits in separate polythene covers for later identification
(b) Take a photograph if possible
(c) Make line sketches of the parts of the tree

9. Indicate by a tick mark ( ) wherever a tree suffers from the deficiency mentioned below:
Paving : Includes surface around tree blocked by Concrete, Tar or any hard pavement material
Nailing : Covers all aspects of abuse by placards, hoardings, cables etc
Dumping : Includes dumping of debris/garbage around the trunk of the tree
Injury : Includes cutting of branches or roots for construction road widening
Stressed : Indicated by withering of leaves permanently

10. If care is needed indicate by a tick mark. Also indicate what type of care is needed on the back of the survey sheet.

Click here to Download Tree Survey form