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Why Autumn is the Best Season for Planting Farm Trees: Plan Ahead for Success

Planting trees is a significant investment in the future health and productivity of farmland. Choosing the optimal planting season can greatly influence the success and growth of these trees. Insights from "A Practical Guide to Planting Tubestock Paddock Trees" by the Hovells Creek Landcare Group highlight the advantages of autumn planting over spring planting.

Advantages of Autumn Planting

Autumn planting offers several benefits:

  • Enhanced Root Establishment: Planting in autumn, after the first substantial rains, allows tubestock to develop robust root systems during the cooler months. This early root growth equips trees to better withstand the heat and dryness of the following summer.
  • Improved Survival Rates: Field trials conducted by the Hovells Creek Landcare Group demonstrated that trees planted in autumn had a 100% survival rate, compared to a 73% survival rate for those planted in spring. Additionally, autumn-planted trees exhibited double the biomass after two growing seasons, indicating healthier and more vigorous growth. Hovells Creek Landcare
  • Reduced Stress from Extreme Weather: Autumn's milder temperatures and increased soil moisture create a less stressful environment for young trees, reducing the risk of heat stress and water scarcity that can occur with spring planting.

Challenges of Spring Planting

While spring planting is common, it presents certain challenges:

  • Exposure to Summer Heat: Trees planted in spring have less time to establish their root systems before facing the intense heat and potential drought conditions of summer, increasing the risk of stress and mortality.
  • Increased Watering Needs: Spring-planted trees often require more frequent watering to survive the summer months, leading to higher labor and resource demands.

Planning for Autumn Planting

Given the current date of November 21, 2024, in Tamworth, it's an ideal time to begin planning for autumn planting:

  • Species Selection: Choose tree species that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions.
  • Site Preparation: Prepare planting sites by assessing soil health, ensuring proper drainage, and planning for protection against pests and livestock.
  • Resource Allocation: Secure appropriate guards, and necessary materials well in advance to ensure a smooth planting process.

By initiating these preparations now, landholders can take full advantage of the benefits that autumn planting offers, leading to healthier and more resilient paddock trees. If you are looking for inspiration why not call in to our Nursery at 300 Wallamore road to see our entire range of plants. Open Mon, Wed, Fri from 9-2pm.

If you are interested in reading the book it's available in PDF format below.

Planting Tubestock Paddock Trees Planting Tubestock Paddock Trees


Latest News

Bendemeer Students Join the TreeTroff Biodiversity Project

Bendemeer Students Join the TreeTroff Biodiversity Project

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Bendemeer Primary School to talk to Years 3 to 6 students and their teacher, Mrs Doak about the exciting TreeTroff in Schools program. We explored the origins of the project, what it means for their school, and even selected the best location and tree for the installation — a great step forward in bringing the program to life at Bendemeer.

The TreeTroff project is part of the Koalas and Others 2025: A Schoolyard and Community Biodiversity Project, coordinated by the Warrumbungle National Park Environmental Education Centre (WNPEEC). It's an innovative citizen science initiative that helps schools monitor local biodiversity using cameras and data collection tools. Students gain valuable digital, scientific, and communication skills as they analyse images, record data, and prepare scientific reports each semester to share with other participating schools across the region.

The project provides long-term data that supports conservation efforts and is of interest to universities and government agencies.

We're looking forward to seeing Bendemeer students actively engaging in this hands-on conservation science and sharing their findings with schools across the state.

Help achieve more sustainable and resilient rural landscapes

Help achieve more sustainable and resilient rural landscapes

Have you undertaken native revegetation on your farm in the past?

Researchers from Western Sydney University, the University of Tasmania and their collaborators want to hear about the outcomes. We invite you to participate in our study by completing a brief on-line survey, site visit and interview. Eight lucky survey participants will receive prizes valued at over $1000 and an opportunity to share and learn from other land managers interested in ensuring sustainable and resilient rural landscapes around Australia.



If you have any queries about this study, please contact e.sumner@westernsydney.edu.au or call 0497 784 310. This study is funded by the National Environmental Science Program and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Explore the Heart of the Macdonald River – Past, Present & Future

Join us for a special community event celebrating the Macdonald River — its rich history, vital ecology, and the people working to protect it. This is a chance to connect with your local landscape, learn from passionate experts, and hear how you can be part of the ongoing efforts to care for this important waterway.

Local historians Anne and Winston Doak will share stories of the river’s past — from early settlement to recent restoration efforts — while ecologists Dr. Lou Streeting and Martin Dillon will highlight the river’s role in supporting native wildlife, including endangered species like the Bell’s turtle. Their work in the region spans decades, involving everything from nest protection and hatchling releases to landholder collaboration and education.

Whether you’ve lived by the river all your life or are new to the area, this event is a great way to better understand the natural systems that support our community and how we can protect them. You’ll hear about past and ongoing efforts to restore the riverbanks and improve habitat, as well as future opportunities to get involved with the Macdonald River Restoration Landcare Group — including tree planting days and working bees.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Come along, bring a friend, and be inspired by the stories of resilience, collaboration and care that flow through the heart of our river.

 

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Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

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