Lots of rain and lots of bush are apt descriptors for this Coast.

Most of the population live along the coastal plains or up river valleys, and most of the planting projects are located near these communities. Typically, restoration projects are run by communities on public land, but there is increasing interest from landowners looking to enhance their rural or semi-rural land.

You will have a planting site: but well before you begin work, you need to plan the tree species you want to plant, how many, and where to source them from.

Keep it simple. On the Coast just about any planted native will grow, but commonly used coloniser tree species that grow quickly include:

Once initial plantings have become established, most other locally sourced natives can be planted successfully.

Contact local nurseries at least a year ahead of planting, even if just to express your interest, so you can assess their stocks of the species you want.

Trees That Count supports eco-sourcing: plants should be grown from seeds collected from naturally occurring vegetation close to where they are to be planted. Not only does this help maintain your area’s natural uniqueness, but the plants will be suited to local conditions and more likely to survive.

Here’s a list of Coast nurseries who can help with eco-sourced plants:

These nurseries may also stock plants from outside your region, so you’ll need to ask specifically about their eco-sourced stock appropriate to your location.

Every site will have specific requirements. Things to consider include fencing; animal and weed pests; soil type; topography; and on-going site maintenance requirements.

There are plenty of great resources worth checking out, from DOC’s extensive restoration guide Restoring our natural heritage to the more West Coast specific Dairy NZ guide Riparian planting on the West Coast.

Everyone wants to plant trees, but all that effort can be wasted if appropriate follow-up care isn’t taken. Weeds and animal pests pose the primary threats to your planted trees, so be prepared to keep both away from your plants.

Check out these resources:

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