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


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Winter Clearance

Winter Clearance

We’re making room for our spring seedlings with a special stock clearance!
For just $2.00 each, you can take home any of the following:

  • Australian Vetiver (Chrysopogon filipes)
  • Lemon Scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora)
  • Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi)
  • Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)
  • White Cypress (Callitris glaucophylla)
  • Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata)
  • New England Blackbutt (Eucalyptus campanulata)
  • Native Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea)
  • Spiny-headed Mat Rush (Lomandra longifolia)


Don’t miss this chance to stock up on hardy natives at a great price – perfect for your garden or revegetation project.



DCCEEW Stakeholder Survey

As part of ongoing stakeholder consultation, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has developed a short survey to better understand how climate change is impacting restoration projects across the state.
The survey aims to: 

  • Capture local experiences of climate risks and impacts on restoration efforts,
  • Identify whether climate adaptation actions are being considered or implemented, and
  • Understand what information, tools, or resources could better support restoration practitioners in planning for a changing climate.


We are hoping to reach a wide range of practitioners, planners and policy makers working in ecological restoration across NSW and would greatly appreciate your help in circulating this survey through your networks.

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and does not collect any personal or identifying information. All responses will be reviewed carefully to ensure they remain anonymous.

Please feel free to forward this message and survey link to any colleagues, project partners or relevant contacts who may be interested in contributing. The broader the reach, the better the insights we can gather to support effective, climate-resilient restoration in NSW.


Learn the art of Nature Journaling with Henrietta Mooney

Reconnect with nature, spark your creativity, and enjoy a mindful afternoon outdoors!

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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together we can make a difference

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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