Reforestation & Replanting

REFORESTATION

Reforestation after clear-felling is an interesting experience and an exciting challenge for a forest owner who might be considering introducing the next generation to the growing of trees.

The activities associated with reforestation start with ground preparation. There are several factors to be considered everything from soil type to the building and removal of brash. Understanding the impact of replanting your forest is hugely important to the quality of life we enjoy.

Trees give us air quality, wildlife habitat, soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, a future seed source as well as being a food foraging resource.

Reforestation gives a forest grower the ideal opportunity to reflect and consider the multi-functional nature of forestry. Replanting introducing the next generation to tree growing allows one to consider fresh thinking when considering fertiliser, vegetation and fencing control.

To be a master of your own forest FOCS advise you to participate in the lifelong learning by doing series and take part in the Knowledge Transfer group being organised by FOCS in your area. To ensure you have a healthy forest moving forward we advise you consult with the co-op foresters assigned to your area.

‘By Replanting you are investing in the quality of life for your children and future generations’.

REPLANTING

Once a forest has been felled, the same area needs to be replanted. This should take place within two years of the clear-felling. The aim is to provide an ideal planting environment to encourage the optimal growth and to minimise losses or delays due to vegetation competition, livestock, or insect damage. Replanting should occur between November and March and is dependent on the tree species and site type. The type of ground preparation will be dependent on a range of site factors including soil type, slope, and drainage status.

Please contact the Forestry Owners Co-op directly for advice from our qualified forestry advisors.

Activities associated with reforestation include:

  • Windrowing (brash, lop and top piled in rows typically 10-12m apart)
  • Mounding
  • Dipped trees (pre-treated in insecticide)
  • Planting and filling in (replacement of dead plants)
  • Fertiliser
  • Vegetation control
  • Fencing (if needed)
  • Control of subsequent outbreaks of pine weevil post planting

Trees should only be bought from a registered forest nursery and should be ordered, where possible well in advance of planting. The trees should have a strong fibrous root system and a straight stem. While more expensive and of limited availability, genetically improved planting stock have been proven to boost growth, stem form and wood properties.

Any trees that are unsuccessful and/or impacted by disease should be replaced without delay to ensure the forest can develop evenly and so that unnecessary maintenance can be avoided.

The forest service second instalment grant is available if at least 90% of the trees are in free growth. If the stocking density is too low, the Forest Service may refuse or delay the second instalment grant and premium payments could also be affected.

The number of trees per hectare can be assessed using circular plots. Count the number of live trees within an 8 metre-radius circle.

Please contact the FOCS office to speak to a Forestry Advisor before making any decisions and for more information on replanting.

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