--- title: "Species, sites and planning" date: 2024-02-22T17:02:00+11:00 author: Private Forests Tasmania canonical_url: "https://pft.tas.gov.au/species-sites-and-planning" section: Site Content --- 1. [Private Forests Tasmania](/) 2. [Resources](https://pft.tas.gov.au/resources) 3. [Forestry Topics](https://pft.tas.gov.au/forestry-topics) 4. Species, sites and planning # Species, sites and planning Plant the right tree in the right place Choosing a tree species for your plantation is about finding a match between a tree and its ideal conditions. It should also align with your goals and farming operations. ![Tree](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Topics/Icons/_icon300/leaf-teal.svg) Take time to understand the needs of your desired tree species and pair it with a site as close to these conditions as possible. Consider the layout and location of your trees, and make an establishment plan to prepare the site for planting. **Leave enough time to plan your plantation, prepare the site and order stock.** ## Choose a species The type of tree you plant will depend on your goals, as well as your site conditions and soil. If your main goal is to grow trees for wood production, a commercial species is right for you. If you want to grow trees for environmental outcomes, a conservation species is likely to be more suitable. Plantations can include a mixture of species to maximise the benefits for you and your farm. There are three main types of tree species to consider ### Commercial species Several commercial species are known to suit Tasmanian conditions and are popular choices for timber production. Each species has its own growth characteristics, wood properties, management requirements and end-uses. [ Species guides ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/species-guides) [ Forestry guides ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/farming-guides) ![Shutterstock 650014462]() Eucalyptus *(E. nitens and E. globulus)* ![Radiata pine]() Radiata Pine *(P. radiata)* ![Shutterstock 1731635659]() Blackwood *(A. melanoxylon)* ![Cypress]() Cypress *(C. macrocarpa)* ### Native and conservation species Native trees and vegetation are valuable assets for farmland and the environment. By planting, protecting or restoring native species, you can encourage biodiversity, create habitat for beneficial wildlife and unlock a range of [on-farm benefits](https://treealliance.com.au/on-farm-benefits). ### Alternative species Alternative species can help farmers to enter high-value, niche wood markets. Many species have been planted on small or experimental sites in Tasmania. If you are interested in growing alternative species on your farm, [contact Tree Alliance](https://treealliance.com.au/contact-us) or [find a forester](https://treealliance.com.au/directory) for advice. ## Select the right species Find the ideal species for your site. Search by soil type, vegetation type, uses and region. [ Tree Species List ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/tree-species-list) ## Select a site Select a site for your trees by looking at your farm and thinking about where trees will be most useful. For example, you might plant trees for stock shelter, or you could plant trees to activate an unproductive piece of land. Consider how you can integrate trees into the whole of your farm for the best results. The sites for your plantings should also match your trees' ideal growing conditions. Consider the following factors that influence tree-growth: - Temperature - Moisture availability - Drainage - Rooting conditions - Nutrient availability - Weeds. If you plan to harvest your trees in the future, you should also consider on-farm access to your plantation site. Find a checklist and tree species lists to help you choose the best site for your trees: [ Site checklist ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Site-checklist.pdf) [ Farming Guides – Tree Species List ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Farming-Guides/Information_Series_-_No._14_-_Tree_Species_List_-_Version_3_-_August_2020.pdf) ## Configurations There are many options for tree configurations on farms. Consider your goals and available space before deciding on the most appropriate configuration for your property. Many landowners seek the support of a forester during this process, who can help by creating a whole farm plan for your property. Tree configurations to consider include: ![blocks](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Topics/Icons/_icon200/blocks.svg) ### Blocks Generally larger plantings in areas dedicated to forestry. Blocks are ideal for commercial wood production, but can also be designed to promote other benefits. ![Woodlots](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Topics/Icons/_icon200/woodlots.svg) ### Woodlots Smaller plantings, including in paddock corners and mid-paddock. Woodlots create shelter and wildlife habitat, and can also be used for commercial wood production. ![Shelterbelts](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Topics/Icons/_icon200/belts.svg) ### Belts Rows of trees, usually placed around paddocks. Belts create shelter for stock and crops, and can also be used for commercial wood production. ![Riparian](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Topics/Icons/_icon200/riparian.svg) ### Riparian Trees and other vegetation on the banks of farm waterways. Riparian plantings improve water quality, biodiversity, connectivity and habitat. Learn more about plantation design to decide what is right for you: [ 27208 Fact Sheet 14 Tree Configurations Guide 01 ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Fact-Sheets/27208-Fact-Sheet-14-Tree-Configurations-Guide_01.pdf) ## Prepare for planting Once you have chosen your tree species and site, it's time to prepare for planting. Preparation is a vital step in the process. It will increase the chances your trees surviving and protect the long-term health of your farm's soil. Activities might include: - Clearing previous vegetation - Cultivating the soil - Controlling weeds and pests. Before starting preparation activities, create an establishment plan to guide your work. Establishment plans usually start 12 to 18 months before planting. Find guides for your site preparation, including how to develop an establishment plan: [ Develop an established plan ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Develop-an-established-plan.pdf) [ Farming Guides – Plantation establishment timetable ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Farming-Guides/Information_Series_-_No._3_-_Plantation_Establishment_Timetable_-_Version_3_-_August_2020.pdf) [ Farming Guides – Plantation establishment summary ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Farming-Guides/Information_Series_-_No._5_-_Plantation_Establishment_Summary_-_Version_3_-_August_2020.pdf) [ Farming Guides – Site Preparation ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Farming-Guides/Information_Series_-_No._6_-_Site_Preparation_-_Version_3_-_August_2020.pdf) ## Order stock and plant Select and order stock as part of your establishment plan. Whether you are ordering potted seedlings, open-rooted seedlings or cuttings, you should: - Order stock 9–12 months in advance - Make sure stock has a 90%+ survival rate - Check if stock is hardened to protect it against weather and browsing. Some landholders source stock from different nurseries in their early years of planting, to test quality and results. Generally, planting is scheduled during late winter to mid spring. But this can vary depending on your site's conditions and annual rainfall. Protect planted stock from browsing pressure and weeds, according to the risks at your site. Then four to eight weeks after planting, conduct survival counts to check progress and whether any replanting is necessary. Find detailed information on planting and stock selection, including how to conduct survival counts: [ Farming Guides – Planting ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Farming-Guides/Information_Series_-_No._8_-_Planting_-_Version_3_-_August_2020.pdf) [ Step by step guide to planting trees ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Step-by-step-guide-to-planting-trees.pdf) [ Qualities you want in open rooted stock ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/Qualities-you-want-in-open-rooted-stock.pdf) ![Shelterbelt preparation 2021 website2](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Shelterbelts/_700x350_crop_center-center_70_none/24649/shelterbelt_preparation_2021_website2.webp) ![Mound Fulham 1430](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Establishment/_700x350_crop_center-center_70_none/97056/MoundFulham_1430.webp) ![SFM Branding LOW RES 117](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Seedlings/_700x350_crop_center-center_70_none/24826/SFM_Branding_LOW_RES-117.webp) ### Growing the future: Species, sites and planting ### Chester Partnership demonstration site ### Gunningham Farms demonstration site ### Winton demonstration site How can trees work for you? Get advice to grow success. [ Find a forester ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/directory) ## Browse topics [ #### Plantation planning Early planning is the path to a plantation that works for you ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/plantation-planning) [ #### Species, sites and planning Plant the right tree in the right place ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/species-sites-and-planning) [ #### Managing trees Timely management means your plantation will be healthy and productive ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/managing-trees) [ #### Harvesting and selling A growing industry with opportunities for Tasmanian farmers ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/harvesting-and-selling) [ #### On-farm benefits Trees increase farm productivity and create more sustainable operations ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/on-farm-benefits) [ #### Economic benefits and markets Diversify your income and increase your farm’s natural capital ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/economic-benefits-and-markets) [ #### Carbon benefits Trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it as wood ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/carbon-benefits) [ #### Native regrowth forests and biodiversity Native trees benefit Tasmania's ecosystems and communities ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/native-regrowth-forests-and-biodiversity) [ #### Indigenous land management Indigenous land management is part of Caring for Country ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/indigenous-land-management) [ #### The law Forest operations are regulated in Tasmania, including on private land ](https://pft.tas.gov.au/the-law)