FAQ

Thank you for your interest in Shadetree Partnership.

If your question relates to obtaining trees, please read the information below or contact Victor Zamora at (949) 453-5817 (zamora@irwd.com). If your question relates to volunteer efforts at the nursery, please read the information below or contact Leslie Bonkowski at (949) 453-5312 (bonkowsl@irwd.com).

Please Send Us Your Questions »

Questions for Obtaining Trees

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Where can the trees and plants be planted?

ANSWER
All trees must be planted on public lands, such as public parks, school grounds, cemeteries, and public golf courses. Shadetree will inspect your site to approve the exact placement of each tree. Shahdetree will be looking for:

  •  Existing structures that could restrict canopy or root development, including buildings, sidewalks, roads, paths, and overhead or underground utility lines.
  • The potential for trees to block signs, streetlights or fire hydrants.
  •  Suitability of the soil, including drainage capability.
  • Appropriateness of tree species, given the site conditions and expected uses.
  • Adequate spacing, given the tree species.

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What trees are available?

ANSWER
The trees you will be planting will be between two to three years old and will be approximately four to six feet in height. Two weeks prior to the planting, you or your representative will need to select the trees at the nursery (located at the UCI campus at the corner of California and Campus Drive) which will be tagged for your use. Shadetree generally has at least four species available.

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What is needed to prepare the site?

ANSWER
You will need to prepare the holes prior to the event. At the time of inspection, Shadetree will provide more detailed instructions, based on soil type and the number and type of trees selected. You may need to auger the holes for the trees.  You will also need to pick up the trees and transport them to the site prior to the event. As a safety precaution, consider putting the trees (still in their containers) into the prepared holes until they are ready to be permanently planted.

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How many volunteers will be needed?

ANSWER
As a prerequisite of planting the trees, the planting needs to be a community event and you will need to round up volunteers for the planting. If you do not have access to volunteers, Shadetree can assist in finding volunteers. The number of volunteers needed will be determined by a number of factors, such as the number of trees to plant, the desired length of the event (usually 2-4 hours), the ratio of children to adults, and so on. A rule of thumb is a team of two adults will plant four trees per hour.

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What do we do on the day of planting?

ANSWER
Shadetree will provide you with a Planning Packet to assist you with the details of planning your event. In general, plantings are done in the morning within 2-4 hours. You will need to have planting tools on hand, as well as water for drinking and washing hands. Anticipate parking requirements and arrange for restroom facilities. Volunteers and their hours need to be documented, usually by sign-in sheets. Signs for parking and signing in are quite helpful.

Typically, the event begins by gathering the volunteers for a brief orientation, including:

  • The goal of the day’s event, such as the number of trees to be planted.
  • Demonstrate how to plant a tree.
  • Review safety techniques.
  • Direct volunteers as to what needs to be done.

As the event continues, make sure newcomers are oriented. Assign and re-assign tasks as needed. As the event comes to a close, gather the volunteers and thank them.

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Can Shadetree assist in any way beyond providing the trees?

ANSWER
Shadetree has shovels, gloves, tables, and beverage dispensers that can be loaned out for the day of the event. A Shadetree representative will attend the event to demonstrate proper tree planting technique and to ensure that safety precautions are taken and volunteer hours are appropriately documented.

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How will the trees be maintained after the planting?

ANSWER
You will need to plan for watering the trees before Shadetree will release the trees to you.

Questions for Volunteering for a Monthly Nursery Event

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What do you do at an event?

ANSWER
Projects at Shadetree’s nursery events include: upgrading trees into larger containers, weeding, staking, raking and other tasks. No experience is necessary as Shadetree will have staff available to train all volunteers in these projects.

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Where is the nursery located and what about parking?

ANSWER
Shadetree’s nursery is located on the UCI campus on Anteater Drive. See the map and driving directions on the home page of this website. If you get lost, call  Victor Zamora at  (949) 453-5817.

Parking is available at UCI’s Recreational Parking Area with a parking pass. You can download and print the parking pass from the Register for Upcoming Events webpage on this website. The parking pass must be displayed on the windshield of your car for easing viewing by UCI Parking Patrol – otherwise you will be ticked for parking.

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How should I dress?

ANSWER
Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes. Bring a hat, sunscreen and work gloves, if you have them.

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What ages are appropriate for nursery work?

ANSWER
Nursery event volunteers have ranged in age from eight to 98!  Shadetree has a variety of gardening tasks which will be assigned to match the age and skill level of each volunteer. Shadetree also provides community service hours for students who participate in our nursery events.

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Can I drop a child off at the nursery?

ANSWER
Children below age 12 need to be accompanied by an adult supervisor.  Arrange to have older children picked by 11:00 a.m. when the nursery events ends.

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What happens if it’s raining?

ANSWER
If it rains, the Shadetree nursery event will be cancelled. If this should happen, we encourage you to sign up for another available nursery event taking place in the following months.