how to release (a tree)

first locate the marker. the marker

will likely be completely surrounded

by grass and weeds so all you will

see is a tiny bit of bamboo pole or

wooden post poking its head up

above the overgrown wilderness.

next, gently push at the tangle of

grass and weeds to make space 

for the marker and also to see if

there is a little tree still surviving

under there at all. it’s useful to

be wearing gloves for this part.

probably for all of it. yes -

perhaps put them on at the start.

the tree may be hiding or it may

be dead. check carefully because

it can be easy to miss. you don’t 

want to accidentally yank it out

while you’re pulling out the grass

and the weeds.

once you have located the tree,

assuming it is still alive, find its

base, then begin systematically 

pulling out the grass and the

weeds so that the tree is no

longer suffocated and can once

again access light and water.

if there are pests around, you 

might also like to give the tree

its own little cage made from 

chicken wire. slip the cage 

around the tree and then peg

it into the ground with some

little wire pegs or tent pegs.

give the tree a drink; it’s 

probably thirsty and it’s

good to stay hydrated.

you also need to stay

hydrated.

if you have time, sing a little

song or say a silent prayer

for the tree.

you have time. 

you also need this.

find your next marker.

Rauhina Kohuwai-Banks

11/4/2026, Ōtepoti: toikupu #11