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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


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Carbon8 is excited to be working with the inspiring Tamworth Regional Landcare Association and LLS NSW to deliver "A deep dive into soil, water and the little critters in the environment"

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Are you keen to learn about Glossy Black Cockatoos and enjoy delicious woodfired pizza and gelato?

Join Jayden Gunn from Birdlife Australia and local birding guide, Julie from Pilliga Pottery, for a delightful and delicious evening on Friday 11th April 2025. 

The Glossies, Pizza and Gelato at Dusk Event is FREE and begins from 3:30pm and will finish around 7:30pm at Pilliga Pottery, north east of Coonabarabran via the Newell Highway.

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The evening will round off with dinner at Pilliga Pottery’s Blue Wren Bush Café.

RSVP is essential as numbers are limited. 

Keen to attend?  For more details and to register click here

This event is supported by Central West Local Land Services and the project partner as part of the Making Inland Glossies Great Again project funded by the NSW government through it’s Environmental Trust.

Strengthen our Region with a Tax-Deductible Contribution to Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

Strengthen our region with a Tax-Deductible Contribution to Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

Landcare is about more than the environment—it’s about the future of our region.

At Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA), we work across the landscape—supporting sustainable land management, improving soil health, preserving water resources, and enhancing biodiversity. Whether you're managing a farm, running a business, or part of a local community, the decisions we make today about how we care for our land directly impact the health, productivity, and resilience of our region tomorrow.

Now recognised as a Tax-Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Tax Office, TRLA can offer even more value for every donation received. Contributions of $2 or more are tax-deductible—meaning you can invest in the long-term future of our region while also receiving a benefit at tax time.

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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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