Why is this important?
Pest plants and animals have the potential to decimate new plantings, so don’t skip this essential step! Weeds compete with young native plants. To ensure native seedlings become established and thrive, maintain your site for several years after it’s been planted.
Maintenance should decrease over time
The level of maintenance required will decrease as your plants grow and form a canopy. This canopy reduces the space and light required for many weeds to grow.
However, some weeds don't mind shade, so make sure you regularly check for shade tolerant species and climbing vines like moth plant or bindweed (Calystegia).
Plan to actively remove weed species for the first 2-3 years and check and release for two years after that.
Tips for maintaining your site
- The main time for weed control is during the key growth period between October and January. Some regions will require year-round control (up to 4X per year).
- Clear the weeds around young plants before they are smothered. Spread the cleared/cut weeds around the base of the seedling as a mulch.
- Use hand-releasing if possible. If you plan to use spray, be careful not to overspray and damage the native plants.
- Check on your fencing and gates regularly. Ensure that stock are still restricted from the waterway and riparian area.
- Some plants may not survive the first few years. Consider adding plants to fill any gaps. You can also add in diversity once your planting is established. Some successional species Species that are planted later or establish naturally on soil that is built up under earlier vegetation. require the shelter of coloniser species Coloniser species are those able to grow first at a site. They are able to cope with the drier, hotter conditions in open areas. to survive.
- Long-term predator control is important. It will stop possums from eating native plants and provide safe habitat for native birds, insects and lizards.
- Consider expanding this predator control to your entire property! This will enhance the overall biodiversity of your property.
Guidance on maintenance techniques by Dairy NZ
Head to DairyNZ for more useful resources on planting.
Consider a sustainable option
A flax-cutter/“Shark” will reduce the need for chemical spraying around native plants. Matuku Link is an Auckland-based community group focused on wetland restoration. Its restoration team swear by them! Learn more.