Helping newly planted natives establish

Begin with the right conditions

Choose a plant that suits the soil, exposure and space, and check its planting requirements before starting. Make sure the root ball is moist. A wetland species and a plant that needs free drainage should not be treated as if their water needs are identical.

Water the root zone, not the calendar

After planting, monitor moisture around the root ball and in the surrounding soil. Wind, heat, rainfall and soil type all change how quickly water is used. Adjust care to what you observe rather than following a fixed schedule. Seek advice for prolonged waterlogging, wilting or other signs of stress.

Keep checking in

Keep competing weeds under control and, where mulch is appropriate, keep it away from the stem or crown. Revisit plants regularly through their first dry periods and check any ties or guards. This is draft guidance: final recommendations should be reviewed for the species and local conditions discussed.