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The average homeowner generally considers aesthetics when planting trees. For example, you might plant two alternating species to enjoy their symmetry and alternating textures, colours, and heights.
However, there can be great value in biodiversity and planting multiple tree species. When you learn about the benefits of this approach below, you may be more likely to grow a more extensive variety of trees on your property.
Better Ecological Resilience
When you plant one variety of trees on your property, they can all be susceptible to the same diseases, pests, and environmental events like drought conditions, flooding, and storms. If the worst should happen and a pest takes hold or a storm hits, all trees can be at risk of death or damage.
However, introducing different varieties can mean you have a protective buffer against such threats. Different species respond in different ways. As a result, pests and stresses that affect one tree variety may not affect another.
More Ecosystem Services
People plant trees for all different reasons. Carbon sequestration, water regulation, wildlife habitat, and soil stabilisation are just a few of the many.
Some trees can perform a few of these ecosystem services well and struggle with others. The more tree varieties you plant on your property, the more ecosystem bases you can cover. While some trees can work hard to stabilise your soil, the rest can provide habitats for native birds or take care of carbon.
Help With Native Species Survival
Many of our native tree species are under threat. Maire tawhake, Ewekuri, and Titoki’s ‘Grandis’ subspecies are just a few that are considered at risk or nationally critical. You might think you can’t do anything about our native species’ survival, but quite the opposite can be true.
When you plant a mixed range of trees, you’re contributing to regional biodiversity. This means that if a specific tree variety starts to die out in a particular area, you’ve contributed to its survival by planting more of them.
Remember, planting a mixed range of trees, including natives, can also:
- Protect trees from disease
- Offer flood protection
- Protect slope stability
- Provide shelter and food for fungi, insects, birds, and animals
Provide Support for Wildlife
Planting a broad range of tree species can contribute to biodiversity conservation and take care of wildlife and their varied needs. For example, some tree species can be helpful as shelter, while others provide nectar, fruits, and nuts as valuable food sources. There are also many tree species that make wonderful nesting sites for our native bird populations.
How to Plant Trees with Biodiversity in Mind
Now that you know how important tree diversity can be, the next step is taking action! Planting for biodiversity is not as challenging as you might think. Just take these steps below:
1. Start Planning Your Site
Planning your site can prevent costly mistakes later on. Think about your goals, like ensuring more food and shelter for wildlife or protecting slope stability. This information may help you choose the right trees and plant them in the right locations.
Planning can also involve staging your project to ensure maintenance is more manageable and exploring any possible funding options.
2. Choose the Right Trees
We have many wonderful tree species in Aotearoa New Zealand to choose from. Make your decision based on what will grow well in your region.
Talk to your local nursery, take note of tree species already growing in your area, and identify environmental factors your new trees may need to combat. Of equal importance is thinking about what can benefit from your trees. Plant trees for birds, bees, and even native fish and eels when planted along waterways.
If you’re struggling with this step, talk to local planting groups. You can learn helpful tips and tricks and may even be able to join a local planting programme if available.
3. Prioritise Ecosourcing
Ecosourcing means that seedlings have been grown from the seeds of mature trees in your local area. They often have better survival and growth rates because the trees they’re from have already thrived in those conditions. When the time comes to buy seedlings, ask where they were sourced from.
4. Plant a Variety of Species
Now that you’ve planned your site and have chosen your preferred trees, it’s time to plant. Choose at least six or seven species and plant them at different times. Planting hardy species first is often recommended. Once they’ve established themselves, you can plant your slower-growing species and use your first-grown trees for their protection.
Contact ProClimb for All Your Tree Care Needs
Whether you need help with planning, planting, tree maintenance, or tree care, the team at ProClimb is here to help. Contact ProClimb in Auckland to enjoy a range of tree services to help your trees thrive for years to come.