Planting Guide

 

Following the principles of natural regeneration, it is important to firs retain and protect remnant vegetation. Our remnant bushland is precious, and hollow bearing trees and complex biodiversity cannot be simply replaced so first retain what you have.

Consider planting only after you have given remnant bush a chance to recover by removing weeds that compete with our indigenous species. Wait and see what comes up after weed removal, then consider adding missing species from your relevant EVC.

Large scale planting is appropriate in areas that are unlikely to regenerate on their own.

Site Preparation

Weed encroachment can smother newly established plants so it is important to control weedy species including pasture grasses before planting.

To prepare the planting zone you can either spot spray or scalp an area approximately 30cm in diameter for each plant in the planting zone. This will help to reduce pressure on newly establishing plants, as weeds will compete for space, nutrients and light.

Weed matting is also available, however these have been used with varying success. Do not use weed matting for grasses, sedges or rushes, as they will impede new growth. Always opt for natural weed matting like small jute squares.

Plant Guards

The supply and installation of guards is a relatively expensive activity. They are usually used if there is reason to assume they are needed e.g. if rabbits, wallabies and/or kangaroos are on the property, guards should be considered. Guards can also be used to create a favourable microclimate in exposed sites.

If using guards, the correct height and material must be chosen for the situation e.g. taller mesh guards to exclude kangaroos or wallabies; smaller Coreflute guards are good for creating a microclimate or deterring rabbits.

Always buy from a reputable supplier. Many hardwood stakes used to secure plant guards are not from sustainable sources. Coreflute guards can be recycled at most reputable suppliers (must be clean and dry) or reused on another planting project. Remove and thoughtfully dispose of guards once plants have become established (usually between 1-3 years).

Planting

Timing

Order Indigenous plants from October prior to planting in May – July to ensure availability of species. Select indigenous species from your EVC profile and source plants from a local indigenous nursery. Ask for local provenance plants where possible as these will be more likely to survive. A list of indigenous nurseries is available at:

Plant in winter to assist plant success rates. You can add a small handful of Native Plant Osmocote to the hole before planting the tubestock, however this is not necessary as indigenous plants have evolved over millennia to the poor soil conditions of Australia. In fact, many species will die if exposed to high rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

Design and Plant Densities

Remember that there are no straight lines in nature, so don’t set plants out in rows for a more natural effect.

The below guide will help you plan your revegetation appropriately and offers best practice advice based on observed EVC’s and extensive planting experience, with the aim of ensuring best ecological outcomes.

Use the guide for:

  • Planting density for bush patches and shelterbelts
  • Benefits of natural regeneration
  • An example of the impact of planting too densely.

BUSH PATCH & SHELTERBELT DENSITY GUIDE

Method

  1. Use a trowel, Hamilton tree planter or small auger to make a hole in your prepared surface.
  2. Gently remove the plant from its pot:
    • Turn pot upside down
    • Squeeze edges of the pot to loosen the plant
    • Support plant and gently tap the pot to loosen plant
    • Do not pull plants out of pots as this can cause damage to the plant.

 

  1. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the level is just right. Add more soil if required.
  2. Fill in with surrounding soil so there are no gaps or air pockets, and gently firm down.
  3. Guard you plant (optional)
    • Open out plant guard fully to make a triangle
    • Insert/weave a flat hardwood stake into pre-cut slits
    • Place guard over plant, ensuring plant is right in the centre
    • Knock stake well into the ground using a mallet

 

Watering

Watering on plant installation will ensure that all air pockets are removed, however is not necessary if rain predicted.

Follow up watering in the summer season is also recommended in the first few years while plants are establishing. Do this about 3 times: at the beginning, mid and late Summer, making sure to water deeply.

Once plants have established a strong root system, ongoing watering will generally not be necessary.