Steps, components, estimated basic costs, and potential funding sources for development of utility line arboreta.
| Steps and components | Estimated basic costs and potential funding sources or sponsors |
|---|---|
| Obtain a site where planting, maintenance, and pruning for height restriction are under your control, if possible (many street tree situations mean someone else controls tree maintenance, which may be counter to your objectives). Possible locations: city and county parks, school and university grounds, botanical gardens and arboreta, community centers, etc. A utility line arboretum can also be developed along a street, but be aware of energized overhead utility lines that may limit your activities. | $0, or fill in your cost if land must be purchased, leased, etc. |
| Install one or more spans of lines. | $0. Work with your local utility so that it provides this free or as a grant match. |
| Lay out planting design. Leave 6.1 to 7.6 m (20 to 25 ft) between >each tree. | $Minimal (tape measure, flags). |
| Prepare planting sites either as individual planting holes or entire planting rows. | $0 for soil preparation. Work with site owner or sponsor for donated preparation. |
| Purchase trees, 1.2 to 2.4 m (4 to 8 ft) if available. Work with local nurseries to obtain acclimated trees. | $50–$100 for herbicide (and sprayer) to kill existing vegetation. Largest overall cost of project; average of $50–$100 per tree (wholesale). Consult the directory or website of your state nursery association for in-state availability. Ask for donations as a grant match. |
| Install trees. | $0. Use city employees and equipment, or students, Master Gardeners, or other volunteers. |
| Mulch trees. | $0. Recycle line-clearance chips or similar material. Ask commercial tree removal and line-clearance companies to dump on site. |
| Install informational signage (project name, cooperators, funding sources, etc.). | $0–$300. Ask for a donation from your city park department, a local technical school, etc. |
| Tag individual trees with common and Latin names. | $1 to $5 per tree, depending on tagging method. |
| Seek funds for tree maintenance, removal, and replacement. | See suggested sources in text. |