Don’t plant weeds
Some tree species are highly invasive and can create major problems for you and the environment. Species such as willows and poplars create severe problems, particularly around waterways.
Even some non-local native plants such as some wattles (Acacia spp.) can spread out of control. It is easy to plant such problem species, but very costly to control them. Check the weed status of any trees you consider planting.
More information on tree species can be found on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction's FloraBase website.
Do a property plan
Plan where the trees are to go as they will be there for a long time. Spur of the moment plantings can be a major nuisance. If you plant a major line of trees in the wrong spot you have two options:
- develop your property around them, then everything else is also in an awkward position
- pull them out, which makes it all a waste of time, money and effort.
If you intend to plant some trees on your small landholding, it is strongly recommended to develop a tree planting program as part of a property plan.
By using an aerial photograph of your property, you can plan where to plant the trees for maximum effect with minimum inconvenience to other activities on the block. Furthermore, the essential pre-planting tasks can be comfortably planned for and achieved.
Planting trees may appear simple, but to be successful there are several steps that must be carefully completed in sequence. You must allow time for:
- investigating the ‘why, where and what’ of the tree planting as outlined above
- ordering tree seedlings in November and not using cheaper surplus nursery stock if these varieties are not suited to your intentions
- organising labour and specialist machinery well in advance (such as tractor, tree planter, small herbicide sprayer and so on)
- good site preparation, especially weed control
- planting at the appropriate time
- fencing from stock if necessary
- maintenance and replacing dead seedlings.
With correct species and good preparation, watering over the first summer should not be necessary, except in drought conditions.
Some uses for trees on small landholdings
Windbreaks
The advantages of a windbreak can extend into a paddock up to 20 times the height of the windbreak trees, but again, species selection is important.
The foliage must extend to ground level to prevent increased turbulence and wind tunnelling, which may cause wind erosion under the trees. The foliage of the windbreak needs to be semi-permeable, as a dense barrier type of foliage results in a poor windbreak due to increased turbulence on the leeward side.
Permanent fencing beyond the extremity of where lower branches will grow is important in windbreaks so that grazing of lower branches does not result in wind tunnelling and erosion. Thick foliage in the lower storey can also help to suppress grasses, reducing the fire hazard.
Gaps in windbreaks should be avoided as wind speed is increased through these gaps. It is important to replant any tree deaths as soon as possible.
Wildlife attraction
Trying to recreate a natural environment is a good way to attract wildlife onto your property.
Such a revegetation program should include both upper and lower storey tree species, along with local native shrubs. Different native fauna feed on different levels within the vegetation, seeking particular foods such as nectar, insects and seeds.
Some farmers have observed noticeable insect pest reductions after attracting native birds with such plantings.
Doing some research before designing the planting will allow you to select plant species that will attract a rich diversity of fauna. Plants may include grevilleas, callistemons, banksias, acacias and eucalypts.
On a remnant vegetation site, it is important not to clean-up the site, as old logs and rock piles can also harbour wildlife. But be vigilant for pests such as rabbits that may also use such harbourages.
It is also a good idea to link stands of remnant vegetation with shelter belts or windbreaks to provide wildlife corridors between the stands.
Salt revegetation
Revegetating a salt affected area aims to increase the usage of water falling on the land surface before it recharges into and adds to the saline groundwater table.
However, the planting of local native species may not be possible on saline sites, as the original environment has changed and these species may not now survive in it.
Different plants have different tolerances to various levels of salinity. Well before planting, the degree to which salt has affected the site must be determined.
Barley grass is often used as a rough indicator of the degree of salinity of a site, but we strongly recommend soil and water testing and if the planting is of a commercial nature, a hydrological investigation is warranted.
In the meantime, though, an initial approximate classification is as follows:
- Mildly salt affected: thick barley grass.
- Moderately salt affected: patchy barley grass.
- Severely salt affected: bare ground.
Highly saline sites are difficult areas to get trees growing on at first. It is best to seek advice from your local farm forestry advisor or local agricultural consultant.
One strategy is to fence and drain surface water, where appropriate, before planting one or two varieties. Once established more varieties can be introduced as the site improves. Site preparation such as mounding can be crucial on saline sites.
Fodder
Some trees and shrubs are useful as fodder but you must ensure that stock still have access to a balanced diet, which may mean providing supplementary feed.
Tagasaste is a common fodder shrub particularly for cattle, with some landholders also using Acacia saligna and carob trees.
Saltbush on salt affected land may be a fodder possibility, but access to good quality fresh water and supplementary feeding are essential.
Wood production
If you are considering trees for commercial timber production, the viability of the proposal, minimum volumes and distance to processing centres, and current and future markets for the product must be investigated.
Some large landholders grow trees for sawlogs or pulpwood, or particular mallee species for eucalyptus oil production.
There may also be some possibilities to grow specialised craft wood. In any case, plans for commercial plantations need to be thoroughly studied.
Establishing trees on a small property can help improve aesthetics and serve many useful purposes but careful pre-planning is essential to achieving the right results.