Native vegetation on farms

When selecting a site for revegetation, consider the site conditions and purpose of the revegetation. The size, shape and location of revegetation will impact planning. You should also consider the site in terms of ongoing management.

It is recommended that you knock down pasture grass 12 – 18 months before planting, and again pre-planting.

Soil is best prepared by either ripping, mounding and/or creating planting wells. If you identify that the ground needs ripping, undertake this task six months before planting/seeding.

Disturbed soil provides perfect conditions for weeds to germinate and thrive. You should continue to undertake weed control in preparation for planting.

Order your plants or seed, or collect seed, by the September of the year before you intend to plant to allow for quality control for success. There are a range of nurseries and growers who supply native plants that are local to your region. You can also source seed from local vegetation and germinate and grow the seedlings yourself or use a professional. You can grow seedlings on as tubestock, or direct sow on the property.

Order your tree guards. Your choice of tree guard will be based on its purpose and ongoing management. Generally, a biodegradable cardboard tube will suffice.

The best time for planting your tubestock is when the soil is moist but not overly wet. Often in the Limestone Coast this is in June to July. In heavier soils or high rainfall areas, it may be August to September. You will need to support newly planted seedlings. You will need to maintain moisture, minimise grazing and avoid the seedlings being overgrown with weeds. You can create planting wells, use tree guards and apply timely weed control to improve survival.

Direct seeding closely mimics nature. It can enable fast vegetation establishment over large areas and is cheaper than tubestock. Undertaking seeding before spring is ideal. You should follow up with weed, pest insect and animal control and exclude livestock from the area.

If it suits you, you can organise a planting team which may be beneficial to spread the load.

Install stock proof fencing, and plant five metres from any fencing to stop fallen branches damaging the fence.

Grazing pressures come from many sources. Timely control of red-legged earth mites, snails, rabbits, deer, kangaroos, corellas and stock is essential. Control methods such as spraying, baiting, shooting, tree guarding and fencing will give seedlings the best chance of surviving and thriving. Please note you must get a destruction permit from the Department for Environment and Water to control over abundant native animals such as kangaroos and corellas.

Weeds also negatively impact seedling growth. Ongoing weed control, but particularly winter/spring weed spraying will allow seedlings to thrive.

As time goes on, you will need less hands-on management of your native vegetation. In the meantime, years two and three will be critical to success.

It will be important that you maintain plant records for species survival. This will inform future native vegetation plantings and make planning and preparation easier. You should also decide if you need to replant certain species if the survival rate is low. At year five, you should consider if your native vegetation needs thinning.