Tree Care Basics
Tree adopters will monitor overall health, and let the Town know of any issues such as safety concerns, broken or damaged limbs, or pruning needs. You will monitor for pests or other threats, and keep the tree mulched. Newly planted trees will need occasional watering while they are becoming established, particularly during dry periods. You may be asked to do some simple mitigation measures, for example, putting up caterpillar barriers for Lymantria dispar (formerly known as gypsy moth).
The Town will still be responsible for any major work needed. For example, you should not do (or contract out) any pruning, pesticide treatment, or dead limb removal. If the Town has placed watering bags or stakes on new trees, you should leave those in place until they are removed by the Town. And naturally, you would not do anything that would harm the tree, such as inserting nails or screws, or tying cords or ropes around the truck or limbs. If you have questions about anything in particular, please contact the program administrator.
Learn more about general tree care from the VT Urban and Community Forestry Program.