Growing Good
Staunton Tree Stewards
The Staunton Tree Stewards are here to look after our local foliage! We launched this program to care for the 2,746+ trees planted during our Legacy Tree Project, along with some of the oldest, most historic trees in town. We’re working on an interactive map that tracks tree health alongside things like flood plains and 'heat islands' to make sure we’re planting and pruning where it's needed most. Come hang out with us on a tree walk or join a workshop to learn the ropes of tree care—let’s grow a legacy together!"
Calling all Tree People!
Program Volunteering
We're on a mission to protect Staunton’s canopy! The Tree Stewards program is all about fostering the thousands of trees from our Legacy Project and our beautiful historic trees. We’re currently mapping every tree to see exactly what kind of love they need—from pruning to watering. We’d love for you to join us for tree ID walks and workshops where you can learn the right way to mulch and prune, helping us keep Staunton green for generations to come."
Tree #2,746 Planted!
On November 12, 2021, we celebrated a huge milestone at Shelburne Middle School by planting two stunning Princeton American Elms. They were the final two of the 2,746 trees planted through the Staunton Legacy Tree Project and mark the finish line of a massive community effort. These trees completed our goal of planting 2,746 trees across the city—one dedicated to every child enrolled in our local schools.
A Community Effort
This feat was made possible only by our dedicated partners, benefactors, and volunteers. We are so grateful to our partners at Bartlett Tree Services, the Virginia Department of Forestry, the Proteus and Ballyshannon Foundations, the Climate Reality Project, and the Virginia State Lands Fund. Along with the support of many private donors, their help allowed us to cross the finish line in just 18 months. And a huge shout-out to the volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and dug through limestone, clay, and rock to get these trees in the ground—we couldn't have done it without you!
The Work Continues...
Our mission to green Staunton is far from over! We’re still planting new trees across the city to help purify our air, filter our water, and provide vital habitats for our local 'earthlings'—from birds to pollinators. These trees don't just beautify our neighborhoods; they create a healthier future for all of us. Whether you can give an hour of your time to help us mulch and water, or a donation to help us buy the next round of saplings, your support keeps our city's canopy growing. Every dollar and every volunteer hour helps protect our local environment and beautify the places we call home.
Tree Care Advice
Watering Guidelines How much and how often to water your tree depends on the weather and the type of soil in your yard. But here are some general guidelines for your newly planted tree:
Watering schedule (5 gallons at each watering): ​​​​​​
Month 1:
Twice a week
Month 2-6:
Once a week
Month 7-24:
Once every two weeks​
Years 3-5:
Once every 4-6 weeks
(the tree will need more than 5 gallons per watering as it grows)
​However, always check the soil for moisture about four inches down before watering. If it’s really wet, don’t water, even though the schedule says so. Begin watering in early spring and contine until late November. It’s very important to water slowly so that the water seeps into the ground at the base of the tree. ​
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Here are a few options for watering your tree:
Run the hose at a slow trickle, about the width of your pinky finger, for about 20 minutes.
Cut a half inch hole into the bottom of a couple milk jugs or buckets. Place next to the tree and fill with water (5 gallons total).
Slowly pour water from a watering can, waiting for the water to seep into the ground
(5 gallons total).
Tree Care Basics Mulch:
Maintain a layer of mulch (such as wood chips or shredded leaves) 2 to 3 inches deep around the base of the tree. Pull the mulch away from the trunk so it does not touch the bark.
Trunk protection: It is important to protect the trunk of a young tree from damage by deer, especially from fall to early spring. Possibilities include tubing, wire mesh, and commercially available tree guards.
Pruning: Unless your tree has broken or dead branches, it is rarely necessary to prune during the first two years. As the tree grows, pruning is often needed to improve structure, combat disease and pest problems, and remove decaying branches. Contact a certified arborist for assistance in pruning a large tree.
Trees, Please!
Why We Love Trees (and you should too!)
Planting a tree is one of the simplest ways to help our planet. Trees don't just beautify our streets; they work hard to clean our air and water while cooling our homes. In fact, a single tree can cut your energy cooling costs by nearly a third! Whether we’re planting new saplings or caring for our old giants, we’re making Staunton a healthier, happier place for our children to grow up.