Planting trees 213
Transplanting in difficult places
Dig a 1 meter circle above
where the tree will be planted
and form a flat terrace.
Build a small barrier to
prevent the terrace from
washing away.
In dry places, make small hollows
around trees to catch water.
On slopes make V-shaped ridges
of soil downhill from the tree
to catch rainwater.
On steep slopes, make a small
terrace for each tree.
Caring for young trees
A tree needs to be protected through its first year of life.
Many tree planting projects fail because no one takes
care of the young trees.
If the weather is hot and dry, seedlings need to be
watered first once a day, and then every 2 or 3 days.
After a few weeks, the tree roots should find water. But if
the weather is still hot and dry, water as the trees need it.
Cut back weeds until the tree is taller than the weeds.
If animals or children might damage the young trees,
construct barriers around the trees.
If a tree is not growing well, or the leaves look yellow
or unhealthy, it may help to spread natural fertilizer
(see page 287) in a circle as wide as the tree branches.
Make barriers to protect
young trees.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012