Yr. 0

Planning

The planning phase can begin immediately. Remember half the job is done once you start.

Yr. 0

Aug-Nov

Book site preparation equipment

To insure your site is prepared on time book equipment in early. It is easier if you coordinate the preparation of your site with others as this will reduce transport costs of site preparation equipment.

 Yr. 0

Oct-Nov

Graze site

It’s a good idea to graze the site to remove weedy growth, before it is prepared as this will improve the quality of the ripping and mounding. Alternatively some may spray the site.

Yr. 1

Dec-Jan

Order Native Seedlings

Large orders of native seedlings must be made well in advance. Nurseries sow native seed during the summer months. They will need to know how many to raise, especially if your order is large (greater than 1,000) and whether you want particular provenances of species (i.e. Acacia implexa from Gunning).

Yr. 1

Dec-Mar

Site preparation

Ripping and mounding must be done over the summer months when soil conditions are dry to produce maximum benefits.

Yr. 1

Mar-May

Book planting machinery

If you intend to use a machine planter, book it before the planting season. If you intend hiring contractors to assist with planting give them advance notice as well.

Yr. 1

May-July

Fence site

Fencing of the site is essential to keep out stock. Fencing must be done prior to planting. It is generally easier to fence in autumn/winter when soil is moist.

Yr. 1

Aug-Sep

Pre-plant weed control

If there are weeds on the rip/mound lines it is critical to remove them prior to planting. An application of a broad spectrum, knock down herbicide is often all that is required. Grazing could also be utilised right up until the date for planting.

Yr. 1

Sep-Oct

Plant natives

Early to mid spring is the best time of year to plant out natives in the Southern Tablelands. Soil needs to be moist yet warming from the spring sun shine. Hopefully the frosts will be over, although this is very difficult to predict. It is important that trees are adequately hardened off before planting, in case of late frosts. Trees planted at this time of year will have the opportunity to get growing rapidly in the warm moist soil and develop good root establishment, before the hot dry summer kicks in.

Yr. 1

Sep-Oct

Fertiliser

Apply fertiliser when or just after planting. Natives generally prefer slow release fertilizer that is low in phosphorous.

Yr. 1

Nov

Post-plant weed control

Weed control after natives are planting is difficult and only sometimes necessary. Seedlings will need to be protected from any herbicide drift. If spring weeds are a problem, carefully apply knockdown herbicide to prevent any moisture competition with seedlings through the summer months.

 Yr. 1-Yr. 2

Nov-Mar

Watering

It is not advised that permanent irrigation systems are installed to native hardwood plantations as this infrastructure is too expensive. It may however be desirable to water trees infrequently using a ‘water cart’ system. Only water when necessary – say every month that missed out on a decent rainfall event.

Yr. 2

Apr-Sep

On-going weed control

Again weed control is difficult and fiddly, but often young trees will greatly benefit from the removal or partial removal of weeds for moisture and light competitive reasons. You may need to discuss herbicide options with STFFN when needed.

Yr. 2-Yr. 4

Any time

Form pruning

Form pruning may begin when young trees are really beginning to establish. Often natives when young develop poor form with a number of leaders. It is advisable to carefully prune to promote good form, but be very careful not to take too much growing material as this will stunt the trees growth.