Here are a few things you need to consider before you start planting:
- Is the species suitable for the area?
Alexandrina has several bioregions and suitable trees or shrubs will vary pending on the location. The community nursery will help you selecting the correct seedlings.
- Availability of seedlings
If you are an organisation and want to order a large amount of seedlings, the local nurseries must be notified well ahead of time as the majority of their orders are grown to order. They do have a certain amount for sale to public, but may still be able to propagate some more trees if they know there could be an increase in demand.
Trees for Life can also take orders. Orders for tree seedlings close early, usually around September each year, although the correct timing must be confirmed with the nursery.
- Can I plant non-native trees or shrubs?
Alexandrina Council supports the planting of native local tree species. While you can plant non-native trees on your property, the One Million Trees Project will only record native trees suitable to your area. For example, even Australian natives, that are not indigenous to our area, can become invasive weeds.
- Is the species a weed or potential weed?
Before you plant Australian natives, please consider that even Australian natives, that are not indigenous to our area, can become invasive weeds. Hence, only local native trees will be suitable for the One Million Trees Project. The community nursery will help you selecting the correct seedlings.
- Where can you get information and buy locally suitable trees and shrubs?
It is highly recommended to consult with your local community nurseries before you start planting. The contacts of Alexandrina’s three local community nurseries are listed above .
- Do you have access to the area and are you allowed to plant there?
Before you start planting, ensure that have permission to plant trees in an area that is not private land. For example, there are restrictions to plant trees on Council land, State land, road verges and under powerlines. Further information is found above.
For more information, please contact the Council’s Environmental Project Officer on 8555 7000, or by emailing alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au.
- Planting season and post-planting care
The greatest factor in predicting plant mortality is inadequate post-planting care. Without correct planning, ongoing care, and mechanisms for protection, tree planting projects can result in failure:
The best time for planting trees in Alexandrina is in autumn / winter, after we have had some good opening soaking rains. However, planted seedlings also benefit from watering over the first summer and protection against grazing. Don’t plant during extreme weather events, such as heatwaves or even frost.
- Incorporating biodiversity and fire prevention
There is a need for biodiverse plantings that address public safety and bushfire prevention. In some circumstances it may be inappropriate to establish dense vegetation. More information can be found on the Treenet website and from your local nursery.
- You have planted trees and want to register them
If you have planted native local trees on land that you are allowed to plant on, please contact Council’s Environmental Strategy Officer by calling 8555 7000, or by emailing alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Your trees will automatically be counted and displayed on our website. However, please note that records will be checked regularly and if unsuitable trees are registered, the registration will be deleted. Alexandrina will only count native local species suitable for our area.
It is highly recommended to consult with your local community nurseries before you start planting. They not only provide you with information on these questions but also sell suitable native plants for your local area.