Tree Tenders is a Pennsylvania Horticultural Society(PHS) informative class that teaches people how to better steward our environment and advocate for the remediation of environmental problems in our communities. Learn more about PHS tree tenders and the other events, initiatives, and resources PHS has to offer.
How to Plant Trees
Why and how to Unfurl roots
Identify Root Flare to plant the tree at the right depth
Right tree Right place - (Full Sun / Shade Tolerant) (Soil - PH, wet or dry area) (Pioneer Species of Trees)
How to Tend Trees
Pruning
Pruning - Identifying the Branch Collars
(do not cut too close to the trunk, damaging the branch collar will prevent tree healing)
Pruning - Best time to prune is fall or when a tree is dormant (not while growing in spring)
Mulch
Mulch - 3,3,3 rule (3 foot diameter, no more than 3 inches high, 3 inches from the trunk of tree
Mulch benefits -
Prevent water from evaporating, more for the tree, endure drought
Prevent growth of weeds
Provide nurtrients for Tree
Watering
Water when planting
Water first year/ 2 seasons when it doesn't rain that week
How to Identify Trees
Local Native Plants
Bark, Leaves, buds, flowers, fruits, seeds - local tree dichotomous key
Why Native Plants are beneficial
Native Wildlife prefers native plants for food and habitat
Native plants have evolved to grow in this area
Why Invasive plants are harmful to our ecosystem
out competes native plants (rapidly becomes an invasive monoculture where it is difficult to remediate the area into native habitat again without herbicide)
How to advocate for tree plantings in your community
Grants
Tree Tender Groups
Resources (tools, guidance)
2025 Tree Tenders Classes (January 8, 2025 – February 19, 2025)
Sign up for Tree Tenders through Penn State Extension:
https://web.cvent.com/event/a416625d-968c-4644-915a-7facfaaf2115/summary
$40 Seven-week course
Weekly hour-long webinars
Designed for both laypeople and experts
Credits are available for participants who complete the training.
Why Care About Trees - January 8, 2025 (12:00 PM ET)
Session Presented by Brian Wolyniak an Extension Educator at Penn State Extension
How Trees Work - January 15, 2025 (12:00 PM ET)
Presented by Julianne Schiffer, an Extension Educator at Penn State Extension
Tree Identification - January 22, 2025 (12:00 PM ET)
Presented by Vincent Cotrone, an Extension Educator at Penn State Extension
Tree Planting - January 29, 2025 (12:00 PM ET)
Presented by Vincent Cotrone, an Extension Educator at Penn State Extension
Organizing Volunteer Tree Plantings - February 5, 2025 (12:00 PM ET)
Presented by Asha-Lé Davis, Trees Specialist at PHS
Urban Tree Stressors - February 12, 2025 (12:00 PM ET)
Presented by Scott Sjolander, an Extension Educator at Penn State Extension
Caring for Trees - February 19, 2025 (12:00 PM ET)
Presented by Vincent Cotrone, an Extension Educator at Penn State Extension