Bushfires have recently caused a lot of damage across the Australian landscape. Areas of vegetation that have been devastated by bushfire or erosion might be unable to repair naturally. This impacts the delicate balance of an ecosystem.

Oftentimes, it is up to us to assist nature in finding the balance again through revegetation.

If you are about to undertake a project, the best first step is to assess your area and establish clear objectives that will lead to successful revegetation.

Start by determining the plant life that is native to your area and the conditions needed for those species to thrive.

If unsure, speak to your local council, nursery or landscape supplies in Sydney for a professional opinion.

Steps to revegetation

1. Start by removing rubbish and weeds from the site. Where possible, rake it smooth. By getting rid of all these clutter, you allow a nice, stable foundation.

2. If you are expecting the site to regenerate through the dispersion of native seeds on-site by nearby plants, birds or the wind, prepare the area by covering it with Jute Soil Saver mesh available at All Stake Supply.

The natural open mesh structure of Jute Soil Saver Mesh will trap native seeds, allowing them to establish a foothold on the site.  This will also reduce erosion caused by rain.

3. If planting tube stock is being undertaken to revegetate the site, cover with slitted jute matting.

Our jute matting has five slits per square metre where you can position tube stock into the soil.

Spray the jute mating with water so it affixes to the ground. It will also give the added benefit of suppressing weed growth.

For installation instructions, watch the video below.

4. Both jute matting and the Jute Soil Saver mesh require approximately two metal pins per square metre to secure them on the ground. Water the plants in well.

And if the soil is deficient in nutrients, add in a native fertiliser or Terraform Plant Establisher to give the small plants the best chance of survival.

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 – such as weeding before planting, use of jute matting and planting a mixture of quick and slow-growing plants to help fight erosion.

Plan for sustainable vegetation

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.

And you may need to invest in supplies such as tree guards, shade cloth or weed mats to protect the native species during revegetation.

Speak to your local landscape supply store within Sydney for advice on the best equipment for your project.

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.