You asked, we answered: How to host a National Tree Day planting
By Emma Lucey 20 April 2026
We hosted a Q&A on the National Tree Day Instagram account (@nationaltreeday) asking you what you wanted to know before becoming a site coordinator this year. We had a wide variety of questions, which we’ve answered with more depth below.
Q: Do I have to plant just trees?
A: You can plant any native plants suitable to your location and planting goals, including grasses, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. You can even register an event while doing other nature care and maintenance like weeding or growing native plants workshops. Every day is tree day, so create a coordinator account and register your events throughout the year to make your efforts count!
Q: Will I get instructions?
A: We offer downloadable step-by-step guides on our website to help you on your way. If you still have questions, you can contact us at treeday@planetark.com
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: All events registered on our site are covered by Planet Ark’s public liability insurance.
Q: Where can I hold a community planting?
A: Some site coordinators hold community plantings on private property (such as farmland), whilst many others (such as Landcare and 'Friends of' groups) have longstanding relationships with their council and regularly plant in local bushland or parkland. If you do not have your own private land where you can hold a community planting, or do not yet have permission to run a planting on public land, contact your local council to see if they have some suitable locations in your community for a National Tree Day planting.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: National Tree Day is held in late July (this year falling on Sunday 26th July) to give seedlings the best chance of survival and avoid harsh summer conditions. While Australia is vast, and some regions differ, this can sometimes bring chilly and rainy conditions. Always remember to take care and keep your community safe while planting. If light rain or showers are predicted, make sure to advise attendees and suggest warm clothing, raincoats and gumboots. If there is a chance of severe weather, it’s best for your community (and seedlings!) to find a backup date for planting. Remember, you can host a Tree Day event on any day of the year! Every day is Tree Day. Just make sure to register it with us to be covered by insurance and have your efforts recorded.
Q: How do I get volunteers?
A: When you register your event with us, hit the ‘public’ option. This will add your event to our ‘Join a Planting’ page where volunteers search by location using our map. For further promotion, download our social media tiles, posters, and other assets to share with your community here: nationaltreeday.org.au/toolkit/.
Q: What size should the planting be?
A: Size depends on the site you have available, funds for seedlings and tools, and people power. Some groups use Tree Day to continue large restoration projects year on year – improving the site bit by bit. Others create small green spaces in a one-off planting. You can even plant in your own backyard if you don’t have a bigger site available.
Q: Where can I source seedlings for my planting?
A: We suggest contacting your local council and local nurseries to see if they are able to provide any native seedlings for your National Tree Day planting, either free or at a cheaper rate. You can also contact other local businesses to see if they are able to provide additional support for your community event (such as funding for seedlings or refreshments for volunteers).
If you‘d like more information, download our community or councils guides and register your site here: nationaltreeday.org.au/get-involved/host-a-site
Emma is a Sydney-based digital media and communications specialist. Prior to joining Planet Ark in 2022, Emma spent 5 years living abroad in London & Amsterdam, where she developed a greater interest in the environment and sustainability. Outside of work, Emma enjoys gardening, camping and bird watching.
