Unauthorized tree planting

[TheFarseer]

I'm going through an "extremely concerned about climate change" phase, spurred by the Amazon fires. So looking around my city, I noticed parks where an old tree had to be cut down but they never replaced it. I saw rows of trees in the median, where a few had died an no one replaced them. How smart would it be for someone (without anyone telling them they can) to plant a replacement for those trees?

[hlthe2b]

2. You need to consult with them. In some cases there could be valid reasons for not wanting

to replant in that area. Why plant without permission, only to risk having your work "cut down"/removed?

I should think most city park and recreation agencies would welcome the help, but would want input on species to be planted and location. In my area of Colorado, we have a real problem with tree diseases and pests that are specific to some species, so it would be critically important to consult on what to plant.

[Throck]

3. Pirate tree planting. I love it.

For years I've gathered nuts and seeds from urban and suburban trees and redistributed them to places where they would be hard to cut down and or support wildlife. Oak, hickory, maple, apple, beech, black walnut........

I fill my pockets and on walks I toss them. Biodiversity is important so mix your sources and mix up distribution.

More fun with a sling shot. Just not near windows. Some great walks.

Imagine every person distributing 100 seeds every year.

[Iwasthere]

10. Fantastic!

I applaud your effort. Do you propagate the seeds? Plant them after sprouting? Let this be a movement!

[Throck]

12. No to propagation, a reason.

Years ago I use to sprout and transplant. Didn't have good luck transplanting. For oak and black walnut the ones I just heeled into soft soil, some took off. Apparently in the north, seeds/nuts have to freeze over once to get them going. If you heel them in, squirrels, chipmunks and deer leave them alone.

Apples are a challenge, I take whole ones from wild trees and relocate them. Modestly heavy I can only carry about six dozen and love to get rid of them fast.

I save cherry pits from store bought domestic cherries and dry them, wife thinks I'm nuts on that one.

So I load up my field bag and just go a walking.

[procon]

4. Why put yourself at risk of legal jeopardy?

If you want to donate trees to the city, call them and find out if they have any such program or policy. They may decline if they already have contractual obligations with some garden supply company to supply plants for city properties.

You'd probably get more attention from city leaders if you teamed up with a public service group or some local club, church, business or youth sports team willing to plant trees as a community service project. That would be a great photo op for everyone.

[TheFarseer]

6. Here's why

I wouldn't want to buy a crap load of trees - that's super expensive. My idea was to take volunteer trees (of the same variety as the surrounding trees) and transplant them. The consensus here seems to be - don't do it.

[Iwasthere]

11. Just do it!

[Historic NY]

5. Arbor Day foundation

Might be helpful.

[link:https://www.arborday.org/|]

[Phoenix61]

7. There are lots of Retree non-profits out there.

DC has a very cool one where people adopt the trees planted in the city and agree to water them. Is there a Retree in your area? If not, could be fun to start one. You’d have several months to get it rolling for the spring. https://www.greenblue.com/na/type/soil-cells/
Check the above link for info on planting in an urban setting.

[TheFarseer]

9. it looks like they don't

but I'll look for some other organizations that I might be able to work with. Thanks for the suggestion!