Yr. 0

Earlier the better

Planning

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

Yr. 0

Sept

Order pine seedlings / cuttings.

Large orders must be made will in advance. Nurseries sow pine seed and strike cuttings of pine in September / October. They will need to know how many to plant especially if your order is large (greater than 3,000).

Yr. 0

Aug - Nov

Book site preparation equipment

To ensure your site is prepared on time book equipment 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 before it is prepared as this will improve the quality of the ripping and mounding. Alternatively some people spray the site.

Yr. 1

Dec - Mar

Site preparation

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

Yr. 1

Mar - May

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 herbicide is typically used but may not be necessary if rip / mound lines are largely free of weeds.

Yr. 1

Mar - May

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 winter when soil is moist.

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.

Yr. 1

Jul - Aug

Plant pines

Winter is the best time to plant pines as soil moisture is at the highest. Pines are not usually adversely affected by frosts in the Southern Tablelands.

Yr. 1

Aug - Sep

Post plant weed control

Weed control in pines must be carried out about six weeks after they are planted to allow the trees time to settle in. Soils need to be moist and temperatures low for the weed control to be effective without harming the pines. Weed control is critical to the survival of the pines over summer so make sure it is done on time.

Yr. 1

Sep - Oct

Fertiliser

Fertiliser is added during the spring when the pines are starting to actively grow and put on new shoots.

Yr. 2

Nov - Feb

Boron fertiliser

Boron fertiliser is applied a year after planting over the summer months when grasses and other weeds have died back.

Yr. 3

Any time

Form pruning

Form pruning may begin in the third year of the tree’s life but be careful not to take too much off by form pruning when the tree is small.