Have you ever strolled down your street and thought, “Wow, these trees could use a little TLC”?

It’s not an uncommon experience here in SoCal, where many of our local trees are struggling to survive due to climate change, improper care, or harsh growing conditions.

But guess what? You can do something about it! Forming a Community Tree Care Team is a simple and rewarding way to make a big difference, right in your own backyard (or sidewalk strip).

Whether you’re a nature lover, a local leader, or someone just looking for a positive way to connect with neighbors, this guide walks you through how to start a team that will help nurture trees so that they can become strong, shade-giving superheroes.

🌿 Step 1: Walk & Chart Your Site

Before diving into action, take a stroll around your block (or a chosen area) and take note of:

• Young Trees – These are usually under 25 feet tall and planted in the last 1–4 years. Think of them as the toddlers of the tree world—adorable, but needy! If possible, you will want to give these trees extra water to help them establish a strong root system.
  
• Mature Trees — While they don’t need quite as much care, older trees can still benefit from a little TLC—especially during dryer months. Helping mature trees survive is also one of the most important ways we can preserve much-needed shade in our communities.
  
• Empty Tree Wells – These are spaces where trees once were (RIP) and could be future homes for new plantings.

As you walk around, you might also try to determine what species of trees are growing on your street, by using an app like iNaturalist. This will help you better understand when—and how much—water the trees need. For example, most California native oaks should NOT be watered in the summertime, since they are well-adapted to our dry summers and susceptible to over-watering.

📍Pro tip: Print out a Google Map or sketch your own map of the area. Mark each tree and empty well, so your team knows where care is needed.

🌱 Step 2: Form Your Dream Tree Team

It starts with you—and then, invite others!

• Rally friends, family, neighbors, scouts, faith groups, or local businesses.
  
• Give your team a catchy name (bonus points for puns: The Tree Musketeers?).

Once you’ve assembled a solid crew, you can begin gathering supplies like buckets and shovels. Then, pick a day that works for everyone, get outside, and care for some trees!

💧 Step 3: Master the Art of Tree TLC

Watering (The #1 Priority)

Trees get thirsty—especially in summer. Here’s how to know if it’s time to water:

• Dig a small hole and grab a handful of soil.
  
• If it crumbles: water that tree!
  
• If it sticks together: it’s good for now, no need to water.
  

Each tree needs about 15 gallons per week, which equals:

• 15 milk jugs (1 gallon each)
  
• 3 five-gallon buckets
  
• 6 minutes with a hose trickling at the tree base

🌊 Slow and deep watering is key—you want those roots to reach down, not stay shallow.

Step 4: Weed, Berm, and Mulch

In addition to watering, yoru tree care crew can also also:

• Remove weeds and grass in a 2–4 ft radius from the trunk. They compete for water and nutrients.
  
• Build a berm—a little dirt wall around the tree—to trap water where it’s needed.
  
• Mulch it! Add a 3–4 inch layer of mulch, but keep it 5–6 inches away from the trunk (trees don’t like mulch hugs).

🌲 Need mulch? Local tree trimmers may deliver it for free. Just make sure it’s clean—avoid diseased or palm mulch.

🎥 Step 5: Learn, Share & Keep Growing

Want to improve your tree care skills or train your team? TreePeople has you covered:

• Visit our Save Our Urban Canopy for more resources
  
• Explore our guide fro How to Keep Trees Alive
  

And don’t forget to post your progress! 📸 Share before-and-after pics, celebrate team milestones, and show those trees some love online. Tag @treepeople_org.

A Little Water = A Lot of Impact

Trees are one of our greatest allies in the fight against climate change, extreme heat, and poor air quality. But they need our help—especially when they’re young. By forming a Community Tree Care Team, you’re not just watering trees—you’re growing a greener, cooler, and more connected neighborhood.

So grab a bucket, rally your crew, and let’s get rooted. 🌳❤️