Jayfields Nursery Tree Planting Calendar

“Successful preparation is the key to successful planting”

SUMMER

ORDER TREES AND SHRUBS

Order plants early to guarantee supply, September/October is best.
Select species local to your area or ask Jayfields Nursery for advice on suitable species.

RIP TREE LINES

Rip before the Autumn break, while the ground is dry, and before ground becomes too wet preferably, to get deep shattering of the soil.
Rip 4 metres apart at a minimum depth of 45cm.
Don’t rip under the drip-line of existing trees.
Mound in wet areas.
Break up large clods as they can cover phalaris plants thus reducing winter spray effectiveness.

SPRAYING

Before frost and 10 days after rain, Spray any couch grass areas with a knockdown.
One month after Autumn break when plants are actively growing, spray phalaris and/or cocksfoot, if present. These plants are extremely hard to kill so seek appropriate advice on sprays and rates.

3-4 WEEKS MINIMUM - PRIOR TO PLANTING

Knock down weeds & apply residual herbicide to control competition throughout Spring.

For normal annual weed and pasture species, spray with knock down, plus a suitable residual herbicide. Adequate weed control is best achieved with the application of a knock down and a residual herbicide. Knock down alone will not achieve adequate weed control.
A residual herbicide has been used extensively with great success in weed control in the past. However, it is important to ensure application is minimum of 3 weeks.
Please refer to product labels and a reputable chemical advisor for rate and use details.

BEFORE PLANTING

Control rabbits and hares
- Coordinate with neighbours if necessary.
- Avoid the need for labour-intensive and tree guards.
One week prior to planting
- Inspect rip lines for regrowth and respray if needed with a knock down only.

PLANT SEEDLINGS

Plant mid-July to mid-September (depending on rainfall and soil type), but one month after spraying.
Plant at least 4 x 4 metres apart, up to a maximum of 625 seedlings/ha.

FIRST WEEK AFTER PLANTING

AFTER PLANTING

First week after planting
- Inspect for vermin or stock damage, or stock entry to plantation.
Regularly post-planting
- Check plants – make sure there are no weeds within half a metre of plants through Spring and early Summer.
- Watch regularly for grasshoppers, particularly in dry years – spray if causing damage. Use suitable methods to control, seek advice.

Weed control throughout the first Spring and into Summer is the single most important element affecting tree survival and growth.