Layout & Design – Select a plantation layout that suits your needs ( see a later section in this pamphlet). If planting for Agroforestry 3mX3m grid = 1100 plants per hectare or a 3mX4m grid = 830 plant/hectare. An average spacing for windbreaks is 3m between trees and 3m between rows with a minimum of 3 rows of natives or 1 of cypress.

Plant Selection & Ordering: obtain a catalogue from the supplier and select the species that will achieve your objective & grow in the existing soil conditions. Ensure you purchase from a reputable and professional nursery as quality ( including root structure) is essential for quick establishment and longevity. DO NOT BUY ON PRICE ALONE!

Forestry tubes are a proven container that result in an excellent root structure. Our experience is that for general plantings "forestry tubes" are the most successful. For large scale plantings with excellent preparation "hiko containers" may be used. Order early (Jan/Feb) to ensure you get the species you require. Contract orders should be placed prior to the New Year.

Site Preparation – This should include deep ripping to a minimum depth of 450mm along with a weed control spraying. Mounding improves drainage and growth and is recommended if the equipment is available. Ripping is best done while the soil is firm/hard as this results in maximum sub-soil shattering which allows for the seedling roots to establish quickly and hence reduce the need for additional watering. Wheel roll the rip line to reduce air pockets and levels the ground. Spraying should include at least an application of a knockdown herbicide such as Glysophate before ripping and about 3-4 weeks before planting. The addition of a residual herbicide will assist in longer term weed control. ( consult your herbicide supplier for details and application rates). Most of the site preparation can be done during the early months of the year. WEED CONTROL IS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL PLANTING.

Planting – Planting times vary depending on your location, soils etc. We have customers who plant from early Autumn right through to the end of December. And all have successful results. i.e. 90% plus strike rate. In general if you are in a drier area and get a good Autumn break then that may suit. If your ground gets very wet then wait until late spring. If you get bad frosts you may find a later planting better. Planting into prepared ground can be done with a mattock. An easier and quicker way is to use a "Hamilton planting tool" or a "Pottiputki". These tools are available for both "forestry tubes" or "hiko" cells grown plants.

Watering – we recommend that the plants be given a water at the time of planting, 1 – 2 litres will generally be adequate. Trials have shown that a small amount of water at planting time improves the strike rate. Subsequent watering will depend on the weather at the time. Generally no further watering is required . If it is ensure deep watering spaced apart rather than frequent shallow watering. This will encourage the roots to develop and penetrate deeply rather than staying shallow.

Tree guards – Unless large scale vermin control is actively practiced and or the plantations are of an extremely large scale then we highly recommend tree guards be used. Guards offer protection against vermin (e.g.. hares and rabbits) as well as protection against hot drying winds or cold icy winds. They promote growth. Trials have shown that the survival rate in guarded plantations, using plastic sleeve type guards, is considerably better than in unguarded sites. Meredith Nursery has for 10 plus years manufactured a range of plastic UV treated quality guards. We supply both locally and interstate. Price details are on our price list.

Site Visits & Planting Services – Meredith Nursery offers a range of services including site visits which range from on-site verbal advise to written reports and detailed design layouts. A complete planting service is available or this can be tailored to suit your needs. Prices available on request.

For shelter plantings the number rows can vary ( 1 for cypress up to 5 or 6 for natives). Most planting would be 3 or 4 rows wide and spaced at 3m between rows. In general smaller bushy plants are spaced at 2m and medium sized plants at 3m and for large trees 4 to 6m. Allow 2 to 3m from the fence line. In general place the lower growing shrubs on the outside on the windward side.