PLANNING
Ideally this stage occurs well in advance of the planned start date for planting. This is especially important when eco sourcing of plants is desired, ie QE II Covenants.
Firstly the project area size must be calculated which determines the plant numbers. This will vary slightly dependant upon species selected.
Next the species selection must be decided upon so the required number of plants can be ordered from an appropriate nursery.
Pre plant spraying will be undertaken at least one month prior to planting commencing. A very important step which assists with planting.
PLANTING
For Tasman Bay & Golden Bay the most desirable planting season begins in May and runs through until late spring.
This can change slightly from year to year dependant upon the conditions and the exact location of the revegetation site.
The rate at which the plants will be planted again varies from site to site.
It is often dependant upon the soil conditions and the type/size of the plants being planted.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is without doubt the key to a great result. We like to consider this a three year programme.
The aim being to completely eliminate competition in the first year, then minimise it as much as possible in the following two years.
As a general rule of thumb we look to spray three times in the first year and two times in each of the following years.
This again will always vary dependant upon the growing season and growth rate of the plants.
ENHANCEMENT
I like to think of this stage as “going the extra mile”. It includes such things as…
• The planting of secondary species (kahikatea, rimu, matai, beech etc) often introduced at years two or three dependant upon the growth rate of the initial planting.
• The establishment of a predator trap line targeting stoats, weasels and rats etc. Thus encouraging the bird life to flourish.
• The removal of any pre existing problem plants ie willows or wilding pines.
These enhancements when planned appropriately can really make a difference to the end result.
