Bushfires, land clearing and erosion have caused widespread damage across the Australian landscape. Areas of vegetation devastated by these events might be unable to repair naturally.
This impacts the delicate balance of an ecosystem. It is often up to us to assist nature in finding that balance again through revegetation.
Understanding how bushfires impact soil erosion and vegetation can help you plan a more effective response. The best first step is to assess your area and establish clear objectives that will lead to successful revegetation.
If unsure where to start, speak to your local council, nursery or a landscape supplies specialist for a professional opinion. Having the right guidance from the start will save you time, money and frustration down the track.
Before you begin any revegetation work, understanding your site conditions is critical. Different areas require different approaches depending on soil type, slope, drainage and existing vegetation.
Walk the entire site and note problem areas such as gullies, steep slopes or heavily compacted soil. These zones will need special attention and may require erosion control measures before planting can begin.
Consider the following during your assessment:
Test your soil if possible. Many local councils offer affordable soil testing services that will tell you what amendments might be needed. According to the NSW Government's revegetation planning guide, most native species prefer a soil pH between 6 and 8.
Document your findings with photos and notes. This information will guide your material choices and planting strategy.
Start by removing rubbish and weeds from the site. Where possible, rake it smooth to create a stable foundation.
By getting rid of all this clutter, you allow native plants to establish without competition. Weeds will steal moisture, nutrients and sunlight from your new plantings.
For large infestations, you may need to use targeted herbicide application several weeks before planting. Always choose herbicides and weed control products suitable for use near native vegetation and follow label directions carefully.
Once the area is clear, consider how you'll maintain weed suppression. Using 600mm jute weed mats around individual tube stock plants provides excellent weed control while allowing water and air to reach the soil.
Key steps for effective ground preparation include:
Your revegetation approach will depend on your site conditions, budget and timeline. Two main methods work well across Australian climates.
The first is natural regeneration through seed dispersal. If you are expecting the site to regenerate through the dispersion of native seeds by nearby plants, birds or the wind, prepare the area by covering it with open mesh matting.
The natural open mesh structure will trap native seeds, allowing them to establish a foothold on the site. This method works best when you have healthy native vegetation nearby and can afford to wait longer for results.
The second method involves active planting of tube stock. If planting tube stock is being undertaken to revegetate the site, cover the area with pre-slitted 620gsm jute matting which features ready-made holes that make planting quick and efficient.
Our jute matting has five slits per square metre where you can position tube stock into the soil. This gives you control over plant spacing and species selection.
Here's a quick comparison of both methods:
| Natural Regeneration | Tube Stock Planting |
|---|---|
| Lower initial cost | Higher upfront investment |
| Slower establishment | Faster visible results |
| Less control over species | Choose specific natives |
| Requires nearby seed source | Works in isolated areas |
| More natural diversity | Targeted species mix |
Choosing the right plants is one of the most important decisions in any revegetation project. Always select species native to your local area, as they are already adapted to the soil, rainfall and temperature conditions on your site.
Contact your local council or native plant nursery to find out which species grew in your area before clearing. Many councils maintain lists of locally indigenous plants suited to different soil types and landscape positions.
A strong planting mix includes species from multiple vegetation layers:
If you are planting eucalypt seedlings, understanding how to plant eucalypt trees correctly will improve your survival rates. Mixing fast-growing pioneer species with slower-growing climax species helps build canopy cover quickly while the long-lived species develop underneath.
Order your tube stock well in advance. Nurseries growing local provenance plants often need six to nine months of lead time to propagate the species you need.
Timing your planting correctly gives seedlings the best chance of surviving their first summer. In most parts of Australia, the ideal window is autumn through early winter (April to July), after the first reliable rains have soaked the soil.
Planting after good rainfall means the root zone stays moist for longer, and seedlings have several months to establish before the heat of summer. According to the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, giving seedlings five to ten litres of water at planting helps settle the soil around the roots.
Avoid planting during summer or extended dry spells. Even with supplementary watering, high temperatures and low humidity put extreme stress on newly planted seedlings.
Proper installation of erosion control materials is essential for a successful revegetation outcome. Spray the jute matting with water so it affixes to the ground naturally.
This creates good soil contact and gives the added benefit of suppressing weed growth. Both jute matting and coir matting require approximately two metal pins per square metre to secure them on the ground.
For sloped sites or areas with heavy water flow, additional protection may be needed. Installing a 300mm coir log along contour lines helps slow water movement and trap sediment, making it ideal for steeper banks where erosion risk is high.
On gentler slopes, you might use heavier 750gsm jute matting which offers extra durability and longevity in areas that need erosion protection for 12 to 18 months while plants establish.
Water the plants in well immediately after installation. If the soil is deficient in nutrients, add a native fertiliser or Terraform Plant Establisher to give the small plants the best chance of survival.
For installation instructions, watch the video below.
The goal for your revegetation program is to create a self-sustainable native site. Although this may take several years, it is best achieved with strategic site preparation.
Weeding before planting, use of jute matting and planting a mixture of quick and slow-growing plants to help fight erosion all contribute to long-term success. Regular monitoring during the first two years is critical.
If your site has been damaged, you may need to consider what protection your new plants will require. Vegetation will be more vulnerable while the area is recovering.
You may need to invest in supplies such as tree guards, shade cloth or weed mats to protect the native species during revegetation. For large-scale projects, plastic tree guards designed for revegetation work offer a cost-effective way to protect hundreds or thousands of seedlings. These materials guard against browsing animals, wind damage and excessive sun exposure.
Schedule regular site visits to:
Supplementary watering during dry spells in the first summer can dramatically improve survival rates. Many revegetation projects fail simply because young plants don't receive enough moisture during establishment.
Knowing how to choose the right seedling protectors for your project will help you match the guard type to your conditions and the species you are planting.
Visit www.allstakesupply.com.au for a range of erosion control, landscape, survey pegs and revegetation products.
To get started or to find out more, call All Stake Supply on 1300 130 123.
The two main approaches are natural regeneration and active tube stock planting. Natural regeneration relies on seed dispersal from nearby vegetation, wind or wildlife, while tube stock planting gives you control over which species establish and where they grow. Most projects combine both methods depending on the area.
Groundcovers and grasses typically establish within six to twelve months. Understorey shrubs take two to three years to fill out, while canopy trees may need five to ten years to provide meaningful cover. Regular maintenance during the first two years has the biggest impact on long-term success.
The ideal planting window in most of Australia is autumn through early winter (April to July), after reliable rains have moistened the soil. This gives seedlings several months of cooler, wetter conditions to develop root systems before summer.
On sloped or disturbed sites, yes. Without erosion control measures such as jute matting or coir logs, rainfall can wash away topsoil and newly planted seedlings before they get a chance to establish. Stabilising the soil first creates the conditions plants need to survive.
Revegetation restores habitat for native wildlife, stabilises soil to prevent erosion, improves water quality in nearby waterways and can increase property value. On farms, strategic revegetation also provides windbreaks that reduce crop and stock losses.
