Thread by @CamCanopyProj

To achieve our ambition of a 2% increase in #tree canopy cover across #Cambridge, we need businesses & residents to plant #trees on privately owned land to accompany the 2,000 trees being planted on @camcitco public land.

Here's a thread of how to plant, the Cambridge way:

Step 1 of 12: (If planting in grass) Cut away turf using spade

Step 2 of 12: Dig a pit to accommodate your new #tree, ensuring it is wide and deep enough for the bare roots or root ball of your tree

Step 3 of 12: Bring your new #tree to the pit you have dug

Step 4 of 12: Check the planting depth is correct - aligning the 'root collar' (where roots meet trunk) with the surrounding ground surface level. And make final adjustments to positioning, ensuring the #tree is upright.

Step 5 of 12: Knock in your #tree stakes for support (you may be using 1, 2, 3, or even 4 stakes depending on the size of your tree). Ensure you do not drive the stakes through the roots of your new tree.

Step 6 of 12: Attach #tree ties, anchoring your new tree to the stakes. In #Cambridge we now use hessian tree ties, cutting down on #plasticpollution.

Step 6 of 12 close-up: Close up of hessian #tree tie configuration.

Step 7 of 12: If you do not have another use for the turf you cut in Step 1 (i.e. filling holes in your lawn), you can place it into the planting pit, laying it upside down, to help with the backfill. Keep it to the edges of the pit, away from the #tree roots.

Step 8 of 12: Backfill the #tree pit using soil excavated in Step 2, using spade or shovel.

Step 9 of 12: Tamp/tread down the backfilled soil in the #tree pit with your heel to remove any large air pockets, connecting the roots and soil. Do not over compact around the base of the tree, working from the outside of the pit, decreasing pressure as you move in.

Step 10 of 12: cut a water gutter around the edge of your #tree pit. This will help to retain water, preventing spill over after watering your new #tree.

Step 10 of 12 close-up: the completed water gutter

Step 11 of 12: If required, trim your stakes to reduce their height

Step 12 of 12: Add mulch, e.g. wood chipping or bark, to suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture. Apply enough mulch to form an 8-10cm deep later taking care not to pile it up against the #tree stem - ideally keeping a gap of at least 2-3cm away from the stem.

Job done! Congratulations on your lovely new #tree. It now forms part of #Cambridge's #UrbanForest, joining more than 300,000 other #trees across the city. Now, please remember to water it!

More info here: cambridge.gov.uk/help-us-water-…

#CamTrees #TreeTeam #TuringTree #Tree1024