Planting trees in any environment where there is a risk of grazing animals can be challenging, especially in dry conditions where young seedlings need extra care to thrive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a practical tree-planting process, share tips for keeping your trees hydrated, and show you how to protect them from livestock, rabbits, and other animals.
Please remember: You should always try to avoid planting in dry conditions – this guide is here to illustrate the techniques for protecting your trees, and cover some best practices for planting if you do encounter drier weather.
Trees play a crucial role in many ecosystems. They provide shade for livestock, improve biodiversity, and enhance soil stability. Even in dry conditions, strategic planting with the right techniques can help ensure trees establish successfully.
Though the presence of grazing animals like deer, sheep, cattle and kangaroos, as well as smaller animals like rabbits and hares presents a challenge – it’s one that can be overcome with the right tools and practices.
For this project, we planted Acacia melanoxylon, a long-living acacia species that thrives in various conditions in Australia. When choosing trees for your property:
Since we were planting in dry conditions, it was vital to use a product to improve the condition of the soil and help it retain water and nutrients:
Never place water crystals directly at the bottom of the hole before planting. When they expand with water, they can push the seedling out of the ground, leaving the roots exposed. Instead, mix them evenly throughout the soil.
💡 Pro Tip: Air pockets in the soil can prevent water and nutrient absorption, leading to dry roots and plant failure.
Newly planted trees are vulnerable to grazing animals like deer, sheep, cattle, and rabbits. Using tree guards is essential to protect them. When you select your protection strategy make sure you consider if doubling up your protection, by combining a smaller guard with a larger mesh guard is the best option. This will fend off larger grazers, and stop smaller ones from penetrating the mesh and nibbling the plant!
By choosing the right combination of tree guards, you can significantly increase the survival rate of your young trees and help them establish strong roots in challenging environments.
🔧 Installation Tip: Star pickets should be slightly angled when hammered into the ground. This creates tension against the tree guard, keeping it secure.
For detailed installation, check out the video at the top of the page!
After securing the guards:
If planting in a dry season, continue watering periodically until the tree establishes strong roots.
✔️ Preventing livestock and wild animals from trampling or grazing on them.
✔️ Shielding against rabbits and other small animals.
✔️ Providing wind protection and creating a micro-climate.
✔️ Allowing trees to establish themselves before exposure to wildlife.
By following these steps, you can successfully plant when faced with the threat of grazers of all sizes. With proper soil preparation, moisture retention strategies, and effective tree guards, your trees will have the best chance to grow strong and provide shade and environmental benefits for years to come.
If you’re planning a tree-planting project, be sure to choose the right species, prepare your soil well, and invest in protective guards to ensure your trees thrive!
For questions and advice specific to your project reach out to the Arborgreen Team!
South Australia
18 Follett Close
Mount Barker SA 5251
New South Wales
14 Rennie Street,
Wetherill Park, NSW 2164
Victoria
56-60 Woodlands Drive,
Braeside, VIC 3195
Phone 1300 760 642
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