Become a tree steward
Becoming a tree steward is simpler than you may think! All it requires is going to any of our projects and report what you observed or tree care activities you performed! Select the location you visited below and fill in a short form with the observations you made!
Your observations matter
Monitoring newly planted urban forests provides crucial, up-to-date information to support their growth. By submitting tree care reports, you contribute essential data that guides maintenance decisions and helps young forests grow into maturity.
Forêt Capitale Forest (FCF) uses this information to assess site performance, track progress, and determine the best ways to support healthy tree growth. By sharing what you see, your input plays a vital role in the care and development of these forests, helping them thrive for years to come.
Fill out the Tree Care Report Form below:
- Tree Care Instructions
- Ensure you fill out and submit the tree care report form after completing any stewardship activities at the site. By submitting a report you will help FCF and the community understand how to direct our focus regarding tree care and forest stewardship.
- We have divided the trees into smaller zones. These zones are indicated on the map below. Please indicate which zone(s) you provided tree care to when filling out this form.
Watering Instructions:
- When in doubt, conduct a spot audit to ascertain the moisture in the soil under the mulch. This can prevent over-watering.
- Watering trees can be completed every 2-3 days.
- Water buckets can be filled from the 1000 L tote (location indicated on map).
- It is recommended that each tree receives approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of a bucket of water (~6-10 litres). Pour slowly around the base of the tree and on the mulch ring.
- Guide d’Arrosage FCF / FCF Watering Instructions
Mulching Instructions:
- Place mulch in a ring around the base of the tree (approximately 2-4 inches from the truck of the tree).
- Ensure that no mulch is touching the tree. Constant moisture from the mulch against the truck of the tree can lead to decay and disease.
- The mulch ring should be 3-4 inches deep as this will keep the soil around the roots moist.
- The layer of mulch should resemble a “doughnut” around the tree.
- Guide du Paillage FCF / FCF Mulching Guide
Weeding Instructions:
- Carefully remove or trim any competing vegetation from a 3 foot radius around the base of the tree.
- Excess trimmings can be placed at the base of the tree similar to how you would mulch the tree. Ensure that the trimmings are placed in a ring around the base of the tree and do not touch the trunk.
- Small to medium sized garden shears or pruners and gardening gloves are recommended for trimming competing vegetation.
Tree Disease and Pest Identification:
- Keep an eye out for tree disease and pest identification. Follow the guide to ensure what to look for.
- Guide d’Identification des Maladies et Ravageurs des Arbres / Tree Disease and Pest Identification Guide
Other:
- Please let us know if you see anything out of the ordinary (i.e. damaged or mowed trees, deer browsing and girdling of trees, vandalism, etc.)
- Health & Safety
- Please wear closed-toed shoes as the ground is uneven.
- Please wear long pants and tucked in socks for tick protection.
- Keep yourself protected from the sun in heat by bringing sunscreen. a hat, sunglasses, and drinking water.
- Warning: Be observant of poison ivy, stinging nettle and other noxious weeds that may be present. Please see identification guides (Panais Sauvage / Wild Parsnip, Herbe à Puces / Poison Ivy). If exposed to either plant, wash hands and affected areas with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid contact with eyes.
- Note: Additional signs are attached to the water tote to assist with identifying the noxious weeds (if applicable).
If you have questions,
please contact us at comms@foretcapitaleforest.ca.