The Community Grafting Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Grafting Project?

A beloved apple tree at the Tobin Montessori and Darby Vassall Upper Schools in Cambridge once served as a gathering place for children and families. When the school was rebuilt, the tree had to be removed.

We at the design and architectural firm TSKP x IKD created the Community Grafting Project to carry on its legacy. Using cuttings from the original tree and the traditional practice of grafting, we’re growing genetic clones that will return to the site once construction is complete. We’re also distributing young apple trees to community members, a.k.a. tree hosts, across Cambridge. In a few years, we’ll take cuttings from those trees and graft them back onto the new tree at the school site.

The result will be a shared tree—rooted in science and care, and made possible through many hands and hearts across the city.

What is a tree host?

Tree hosts are residents of Cambridge, especially families in the Tobin Montessori and Darby Vassall Upper Schools community, who would be interested in adopting a young apple tree and nurturing it on their property.

What’s involved in hosting a tree?

To host a young apple tree, you’ll need:

• At least 10' square of sunny or partly sunny outdoor space (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily)

• Good drainage (plant in the ground or a large container with drainage holes)

• Watering (weekly during dry season, more often in heat)

• Protection from pests (tree guard or small fence)

• Willingness to care for the tree long-term, especially during the first 3 years

• You don’t need to be a gardening expert—just someone who wants to nurture a tree and be part of a shared story.

Is the tree free?

Yes, the tree is free if you become a tree host.

Do I have to be a resident of Cambridge?

Yes, you must be a resident of Cambridge.

Who will plant the tree?

The tree will be planted for you by Canopy Crew, a part of Green Cambridge. Read about them here: https://www.greencambridge.org/canopycrew

Is there a deadline to sign up?

Yes, please sign up by April 24, 2025.

What is grafting?

Grafting is a technique that involves taking a small cutting (scion) from an established apple tree and joining it to an existing rootstock or tree. The scion and existing tree grow as one.

When is the grafting workshop?

All tree hosts are invited to a special grafting workshop hosted by plant propagator and grafting specialist Sean Halloran at Joan Lorentz Park at the Cambridge Public Library between 1–3pm on May 1, 2025.

Why does this project matter?

The Community Grafting Project is a groundbreaking public art initiative that redefines the relationship between art, community, and the environment. By integrating plant science, art, and community involvement, the project not only revives a cherished apple tree through grafting but also transforms the act of nurturing these trees into a communal and educational experience. This living artwork fosters environmental stewardship, collective memory, and active participation, making the community integral to both the creation and ongoing life of the art piece.

How do I sign up?

Sign up here.

I have more questions. Who do I contact?

Email us at CGP@tskp-ikd.com