SOUL plants trees across Orleans Parish every October-March. We partner with communities to plant every block in order to maximize trees’ effects on stormwater runoff, heat and livability. This means that we are only able to work with a few neighborhoods at a time, and a community may take several years to reforest. In order to make trees available to Orleans Parish residents who live outside SOUL’s current partner communities, SOUL is launching a Volunteer For Trees Program, effective immediately.
Individuals who volunteer with SOUL for ten hours (or 3 planting days) may participate in the Volunteer For Trees program. Please note there are only 80 trees available this season – first come, first served.
WHO: Orleans Parish residents only. If you are not physically able to plant trees or volunteer, contact us for more information. We offer volunteer opportunities for everyone. There are a limited number of trees available.
WHAT: Approved applicants may receive up to two trees from our approved list (depending on availability).
WHEN: Tree planting season spans October-March. Make sure to volunteer ten hours by February 17, 2024. Your tree(s) must be planted by mid-March.
WHERE: You may plant on the public right-of-way or in your yard. See the parameters for both types of plantings listed below.
WHY: This program empowers an equitable distribution of trees throughout Orleans Parish so that everyone has access to trees and their benefits.
IN ORDER TO RECIEVE UP TO TWO TREES, THE VOLUNTEER MUST:
- Complete this online registration form by February 19, 2024. If you need help completing this form, contact 504.321.3262
- Volunteer for ten hours at an approved SOUL event by February 17, 2024, to receive trees during the 2023-2024 planting season
- If a volunteer has mobility issues affecting volunteering, but still would like trees, please let us know. We offer volunteer opportunities that are less demanding. A family member, friend, or neighbor may also volunteer in your place if they commit to planting your trees.
- Contact 8-1-1 to have underground utilities marked
- Plant tree within two weeks of receiving it
- Deeply water tree every day in the pot until it is planted
- Water tree at least twice a week for the first year following its planting
- Send a photo of the planted tree(s) to SOUL’s Data and Outreach Coordinator
- Map tree following guidelines provided by SOUL
- Return any borrowed tools to SOUL’s office
- Sign in and out at volunteer event to ensure your hours are recorded
SOUL COMMITS TO:
- Meet tree recipient at their residence during business hours to discuss and mark tree placement
- Recommend tree species based on planting location
- Permit tree if it is to be planted in the public right-of way (space between sidewalk and street)
- Deliver trees, arborgards, mapping materials and tools (if necessary) to the planting location
- Provide planting, mapping and maintenance guidance
The application for the Volunteer For Trees Program can be found here.
PARAMETERS FOR PLANTING ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
SOUL adheres to Parks and Parkways’ guidelines for planting on the public right-of-way (the space between the sidewalk and street). We are happy to help you navigate their requirements when choosing a tree and its placement.
PARAMETERS FOR PLANTING IN YOUR YARD
It is very important that you give enough spacing between the tree and your home. Please check out some additional tree planting guidelines by Baton Rouge Green.
For questions regarding the Volunteer For Trees Program, please contact Volunteer and Administrative Coordinator, Lauren Davis, at 504.321.3262 or ldavis@soulnola.org.