Every tree counts: Planting native trees
Through the planting of native trees we strive to add ecological, aesthetic and monetary value to your property, no matter the size.
Recently, we did just that on a property in Amberley. The land owner had removed several species of wilding exotics, including willow trees bordering Dock Creek which runs through the land.
Beyond the creek, is a terrace with three houses above it that look out over the site. We wanted to be sure that what we planted on the terrace would enhance without impeding the view from those homes.
The site pre-planting: a bulldozed area of river flat, the stream and the terrace beyond it.
To achieve the most effective planting, we divided the site into three sections. The largest, a 0.2 hectare area of river flat that at times would be subject to temporary flooding. The second, a 40 m riparian strip on either side of the creek bank. The third section would be the lower portion of the 80 m long terrace.
Planting along Dock Creek, our goal was to create a ribbon of natives that would enhance biodiversity, prevent nutrients and pollutants from entering the stream, and provide stability to the banks. Through appropriate species selection and maintenance, the natives will outcompete invasive weeds such as Hemlock and Ivy, and benefit any native fauna living in the water. Closest to the creek, we planted Carex Secta at 1.5 m spacing on either side, and two metres back from that row, a mix of Flax, Cabbage trees and Toetoe.
The river flat, planted and guarded at 3 m.
On the terrace, the driest area of the site, we needed to plant species that could tolerate the dry, and wouldn’t grow tall enough to block the view of any of the houses above. We decided on a mix of Kowhai (Sophora Dragons Gold; a smaller species), Ribbonwood, Toetoe, Hebe and various others. We planted these at 3.5 m spacing.
The river flat will likely experience short-term flooding throughout the winters, so we needed to balance the landowners species preferences with what would have the best chance of survival. On the highest sections that would stay above the water, we planted a handful of Kanuka, Tōtara and beech. In the lower lying areas, we were sure to plant several Kahikatea among swamp Ribbonwood, Manuka, Cabbage trees, Flax and Toetoe. All of these species can tolerate wet feet. We spaced the plants on the river flat at three metres.
Once all 400 trees had been planted, we guarded each one. This is to safeguard the landowner’s investment by protecting the plants from pests, weeds and the elements.
This project is likely to grow, with more natives being added as willows are removed along the creek. We will continue to maintain the plants, with our first release spray early next year made easy by our installation of guards at the time of planting.
