COLLECTING SEED:

It is always advisable to collect seed from your local area. The seed is ripe when the capsules enclosing it are dark and woody. The capsules should be cut from the tree and placed in a paper bag where they will open and release their tiny seeds within a week.

SOWING SEED:

The fine seed is then sprinkled evenly on punnets or trays filled with a mix of 2 parts coarse sand and 1 part peat. Cover seed with a fine layer of sand and mist or water gently. Place in a covered or protected area with some warmth and sheltered from direct sunlight. Germination can be expected in 2-3 weeks.

POTTING UP AND HARDENING UP:

When the seedlings have about 2 sets of true leaves (3-4cm high) they can be gently potted up into tubes or pots of their own filled with a potting mix that will hold some water, drains well and which contains some slow-release fertiliser. Seedlings will grow best initially in semi-shade but will require 'hardening off' (ie. gradually moving them into full sun) about a month before planting.

SITE PREPARATION:

The chipping of grass of killing with herbicide is advisable in the spots where trees are to be planted. Ripping planting lines for large-scale projects has also proved to be beneficial.

CHOOSING SUITABLE SPECIES:

Koalas are very fussy eaters and it is advisable to plant a mixture of their food trees to cover all appetities. Try to concentrate on species that are local to your area. Look at remnant eucalypts in your area as a guide.

PLANTING OUT:

The most important factor in the success of plantings is the moisture availability in the soil. Plant when the paddock is well and truly moist. Planting 4-5metres apart is ideal for eucalypts and 2 rows is useful for windbreaks. Seedlings must be given a watering at planting time and the addition of some fertiliser in the planting hole will stimulate growth. Mulching with straw, tea-tree or wood chip is advisable to suppress weed and retain moisture. Mulch about a metre radius around the tree - the wider the better!

AFTERCARE:

Better result will be obtained if subsequent watering and the occasional elimination of competition from grass and weeds is carried out. You may need to fence off areas from stock for 2-3 years or provide some other form of tree guarding to protect the trees from wallabies or rabbits.

IS NATURAL REGENERATION AN OPTION?

Thoroughly look at your area before doing any tree planting as sometimes protection from stock by fencing is all that is necessary for natural eucalypt regeneration to occur.