With 75 newly planted trees at Lafayette and SCAPA, it is a daunting task to water, mulch, and weed if only one or two people take care of all the trees. So we are asking for your help. If you would be willing to adopt a tree (or trees), here is what we would ask of you:

1. Let us know which tree(s) you want to adopt. We will place an adoption tag on your tree with your name on it so that others know that tree is taken. Email Melinda Smith at picadomeneighborhood@gmail. com, with which tree(s) and how exactly you would like your name listed. Examples: This tree adopted by: “The Johnson Family” or “Sam Johnson”-however you prefer. Melinda will get the tags made and give them to you to place on your tree(s).

2. WATERING According to our arborist, each tree needs 10-15 gallons of water per week – water must be able to soak in and not run off. If it does rain – it must be a soaking rain to count – and needs to be at least 1” of rain. The watering is needed throughout the summer and fall months as needed.  You can use three 5-gallon buckets. Several of our neighbors have been able to obtain free 5 gallon buckets from local restaurants. For two of the buckets,  you would punch holes in the bottom and sit them at the base of your tree so that when they are filled with water, it soaks in slowly.  The third you would use to fill up your first two buckets.  Be sure and reclaim your buckets after the water has seeped through for use next time. If you would like information on obtaining those buckets, contact Jim DeBruyne (jmdebruyne@gmail.com).

3. WEEDING Also please pull any weeds around the tree so that the Lafayette maintenance staff will not feel the need to mow very close to the tree. If they do, and accidentally hit the tree, it creates a wound that can allow disease and insects into the tree.

4. If you find you can no longer care for the tree(s), please contact Jim DeBruyne (jmdebruyne@gmail.com) so that he can arrange a new volunteer for your tree.

Special Note: If you will be out of town for longer than week and can’t find anyone to care for your trees in your absence, contact Jim DeBruyne from the PNA Board who is heading up the tree nurturing program. He will find a substitute for you. His email is Jim DeBruyne (jmdebruyne@gmail.com).

Thank you so much for helping us create a supportive and beautiful community in our neighborhood.