Seedling Nursery

In an effort to have another source of trees to supplement our bare-root tree plantings, the Newton Tree Conservancy set up a tree seedling nursery in Spring 2016. Parks & Rec gave us a plot at the Community Garden in Nahanton Park.

Volunteers from the Mount Ida College football team were a great help in setting up a perimeter fence. We are growing species appropriate for street trees, in grow bags, until they are large enough to be transplanted as street trees, but still small enough to handle, about 6-8 ft tall. For some large-maturing species, which grow faster, this could be in about three years. Our main source of seedlings is the Arbor Day Foundation. In 2016, we were also fortunate to get a pair or hophornbeams and a pair of yellowwoods at the Arnold Arboretum’s last member plant giveaway.

This will also be a time-flexible volunteer opportunity for anyone who enjoys hands-on activities. Besides spring and fall plantings when seedlings arrive, we would welcome help with weekly watering and weeding during the growing season (and eventually, pruning, if you have had Citizen Pruners training). If you are interested in helping, please email newtontreeconservancy@gmail.com with “Seedling nursery volunteering” in the subject line.