Newly planted trees and shrubs are particularly vulnerable during their first summer. Root systems are still developing, the soil is often dry, weeds are competing for nutrients, and wind exposure can all make successful establishment more challenging.
With warmer weather on the horizon, we’ve outlined a few measures that landscapers can undertake during planting which will make a big difference.
Protect new planting and encourage strong, healthy growth through summer with the following practical tips:
- Protect exposed soil
Bare soil can lose moisture quickly during warm, dry weather. It is also vulnerable to erosion from wind, rain and surface runoff, particularly on slopes, embankments and exposed sites.Natural fibre matting provides a protective layer over the soil while vegetation establishes. Jute Matting is a flexible option for general erosion control, revegetation and planting projects. Coco Fibre Matting offers added strength and durability for slopes, waterways and sites where longer-lasting protection may be required.
Both materials are biodegradable, allowing them to gradually break down as plants become established. They’re also visually smart while the plants establish.
- Reduce competition for moisture
Weeds compete with new plants for water, light and nutrients. Keeping the area around each plant free from weeds gives developing roots better access to the moisture and nutrients available in the soil.
Natural fibre matting can help suppress weed growth while also protecting the soil surface. When installing matting, secure it firmly and ensure the edges overlap appropriately to limit gaps where weeds could emerge.
Our range of weedmats are also great for larger-scale projects, and areas requiring long-term weed control can’t go past our Premium Grade Weedmat. It reduces ongoing maintenance by significantly limiting weed growth, yet still allows water and air to reach the soil. This helps plants establish faster without competing for nutrients and moisture.
Our range of Jute and Coir Squares are perfect for areas where plants are more spaced out and the entire area doesn’t need to be covered.
- Support young trees correctly
Newly planted trees usually need additional support while their root systems become established, particularly on windy or exposed sites.
Our range of tree stakes provide dependable support, while tree ties like poly webbing creates a flexible connection between the tree and stake. The webbing will hold the tree securely without rubbing against or constricting the trunk.
Avoid tying the tree too tightly. Allowing a small amount of natural movement can help the trunk develop strength while still protecting the tree from excessive movement and wind damage.We’ve also pulled together a buyers guide on tree ties that comares our different options, view it here: Buyers Guide: Plant & Tree Ties.
- Protect vulnerable plants
Young trees and shrubs can be damaged by wind, maintenance equipment, browsing animals and other activity around the planting site.
Tree Guards provide a protective barrier during the early establishment stage. They are particularly useful for revegetation, riparian planting, roadside projects and other large-scale plantings where young plants may be difficult to monitor continuously.
As the plants establish, our Biodegradable Guards naturally break down, reducing the need to return and collect plastic guards. We recently developed handy Biodegradable Guard Kitsets in quantities of 200 which contain guards, bamboo cane stakes and wool squares.
- Support healthy establishment
Giving plants the right support from the beginning can help them establish more effectively and cope with periods of summer stress.
Our SmartGro Soil Improver Tablets and Powder are an advanced hydrogel-based solution designed to enhance plant performance. When placed in the soil at planting, it will deliver soil-enhancing ingredients directly to the root zone. This makes application simple and consistent across large planting projects, while supporting root development and healthy plant establishment.
They are an easy addition to planting specifications for landscape, revegetation and council projects.
- Check planting sites regularly
Even a well-planned planting project benefits from follow-up checks, particularly during its first summer.
Look for loose stakes, damaged guards, exposed soil and tree ties that need adjusting. Check soil moisture below the surface rather than relying on appearance alone, and make sure irrigation is reaching the root zone effectively.
Early intervention can prevent a small issue from becoming plant loss across a larger project.
Give new planting its best start
Successful summer establishment starts well before the hottest weather arrives. By protecting exposed soil, limiting weed competition, securing young trees and supporting the root zone, landscapers can give new planting a much stronger start.
Talk to our team about the best products for your next project.
