How to look after big, old trees
Temporary fencing is one of the best solutions for managing isolated trees, to 'give them a break’ and to encourage growth and regeneration. The fenced off area should be twice the size of the canopy of the tree or trees.
After two or three years, young seedlings might have grown above browse height, so the fencing can be moved to another tree or clump of trees.
Allow the trees to regenerate from fallen seeds. Connect these fenced clumps together and link them to larger areas of native vegetation, such as roadsides, stock routes and reserves.
In some situations, this might not be practical. It might cost too much, take too long or take too much land out of production. If so, consider the following:
- avoid the use of fertilisers under the canopy and around the trees
- avoid cultivating under the canopy of the trees
- ensure herbicide doesn’t drift onto the trees
- don’t scorch the trees if burning off
- leave fallen branches and sticks where they fall under the trees
Fencing is still important. Fence off larger clumps of trees where possible. If planning new fence lines, position them to provide protection for clumps of older trees.
Also consider:
- allowing tree debris to remain on ground
- controlling weeds before the tree seeds fall to the ground
- re-establishing missing native shrubs and grasses using local seed
- excluding non-native animals (especially rabbits and hares)
- using fire in the regenerating patches for ecological purposes only
Consultation has concluded
