Planting FAQs

How do I sign up/register to volunteer with The Greening of Detroit?

All volunteers, even if participating as a group, must register individually, which streamlines the process of volunteer registration, management, and ensures compliance with our health and safety waivers. To secure your volunteer slots and continue supporting our mission register here

When and where do the planting events take place?

The Greening of Detroit plants almost every Thursday and Saturday in the spring and fall. Typically the seasons run from March through May and Septembers through November. Tree plantings take place in neighborhoods throughout Detroit. Planting events typically start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m, unless otherwise noted.

Do I need to bring tools?

No. The Greening of Detroit will bring all of the tools necessary for the planting including shovels, rakes, pickaxes, buckets and pitchforks. We do ask that you bring your own gardening gloves and wear closed toed shoes.

Will I receive instructions on how to properly plant a tree?

Yes! The Greening of Detroit's trained staff and Citizen Foresters will assist all volunteers with a tree planting demonstration and will work with all volunteers to ensure proper tree planting occurs.

What should I wear?

Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and plan to bring a hat, gardening gloves, and closed-toed shoes.

Do you plant if it is raining?

YES. The Greening of Detroit plants RAIN OR SHINE!

Are there bathroom facilities?

Yes. The Greening will map out public venues that will allow our volunteers access to their restrooms or provide porta potties if no public venue is available.

Anything else?

The Greening of Detroit will provide water, via a cooler, and coffee. Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle to fill up before the planting.

On occasion, The Greening receives donations of snacks, but supplies are often limited. Please consider your personal needs when preparing for a volunteer day and pack snacks as needed.

Why Plant Trees?

Detroit was originally designed and known for tree-lined streets. Once hailed as the Paris of the Midwest, since the 1950’s, Detroit has lost nearly 500,000 trees on public and private property. The restoration of tree canopy along our streets, in our parks, at our schools, on vacant lots and open spaces is a key objective for The Greening of Detroit. We work with Detroit communities and the city in order to make this possible and by joining us in our effort, you will be a part of reforesting the city. There are many social, economic and ecological benefits to planting trees:

❖ Oxygen Production – All living things need oxygen to survive. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

❖ Carbon Sequestration – Trees have the capability of capturing and storing tons of carbon and is therefore a good method of climate protection.

❖ Air Pollution Abatement – Tree foliage reduces particulate matter from the air, including dust, micro sized metals, and pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulfur dioxides.

❖ Water Quality Improvement and Storm Water Management – Tree canopies and root systems provide a natural filter to our water supply and reduce storm water runoff, flooding and erosion.

❖ Wildlife Habitat – Trees provide food and shelter to many animals including birds, squirrels and insects.

❖ Extreme Heat Reduction & Energy Saving – Trees cool the air using both direct shade and the effects of water evaporating off the leaves. Trees are our best defense against extreme heat and help to reduce the disproportionate heating of communities of color.

❖ Enhancing Property Values – Studies show that shaded streets and well landscaped yards have a positive economic influence on property values and neighborhood desirability.

❖ Community Stability - Studies have shown that tree lined streets are better for communities, reducing crime rates and increasing population density.

❖ Beautification - Of course, trees are beautiful and add so much to our urban landscapes.

The Greening of Detroit's plantings have been specifically designed to address stormwater run-off, soil contamination, air quality and deforestation due to the Emerald Ash Borer.

Planting Day Agenda

With over 35 years of tree planting experience, The Greening of Detroit has developed a simple and systematic approach to organizing a successful event.

A “Citizen Forester” or staff member is assigned to each group to teach your how to plant, answer questions, and provide support and quality management throughout the planting event. Most teams of volunteers should expect to plant 2-3 trees. Some teams will plant more or less depending on planting conditions and their ability.

Unless otherwise stated, our volunteer plantings follow this general schedule:

9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Registration

9:15-9:30 a.m. Welcome

Greening staff will introduce out work and the specifics of the project before sending you off in your zone to begin planting.

9:30a - 10:00 a.m. Planting Demonstration

Citizen Foresters will demonstrate The Greening’s planting method. This method has been proven successful in challenging urban environments.

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tree Planting

Teams of 2-3 volunteers will each choose and plant a tree. It generally takes about one hour to plant a tree. When finished, you may move on to the next tree.

1:00 p.m. Wrap Up

Collect your tools and return to the welcome area. Congratulate yourself and your teammates on a job well done!