The trees were among 250 planted in mid-October by an army of young arborists, paid by Tree Trust for their efforts.

“We spent more than, I’m pretty sure, more than a week on that road,” explains Malick Jenke, among a half-dozen high school grads taking part in Tree Trust’s ‘Branches’ program.

The group of tree planters includes 25 high school students from St. Paul and the ‘Branches’ participants — most of whom are interested in pursuing a green career.

“One tree will take anywhere from a half hour to 45 minutes to get it completely planted, mulched and watered. In some cases, we have to stake those trees as well,” Zumach says.

She notes the value of the destroyed trees adds up to about $12,000, but the City of St. Paul says with labor and other expenses, the costs of the vandalism totals about $40,000.

A spokesperson says replanting the trees is a priority but noted planting season is pretty much at an end.