Why buy natives in forestry tubes
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Why native plants grown in forestry tubes offer the best results
We live in an era of instant gratification, where most home owners are time poor and patience is no longer considered a virtue, we want results and we want it now.
Our gardens have also fallen victim to this mentality as we are seduced by the lifestyle TV programs which create an idlyic garden in just a few days.
Houses in new subdivisions rise rapidly across the bare earth and gardeners or landscapers attempt to create gardens that look like they have been there for decades.
This has created a disturbing demand for so-called advanced trees in a desperate bid to recreate a look that our grandparents took years to achieve.
Many gardens suffer from the "blitz" syndrome and with it comes a number of problems. Many large container-grown trees have relatively small or even pot bound root balls and long bare stems.These plants are often top heavy and highly vunerable to wind rock after being planted.
This movement constantly disturbed the roots, so the tree remains fairly stunted for two or three years and generally looks miserable and wind blow. Add to this the high initial purchase price and a dependence on irrigation for at least two growing seasons its any wonder many of these plants fail to survive and the owners are soon looking for a replacement.
Australian plants should be planted while quite small, the base of the stems should be thicker than the top giving the plant a look a bit like a stockwhip sticking up from the soil.This indicates flexibility and strength while revealing good
nursery practice.
The roots should be well developed with the root structure sufficient to hold the potting mix together but not so tight that it is difficult to remove the plant from the tube. The tubes should contain ridges on the inside known as root trainers which encourage the roots to grow towards the bottom of the container. A good practice is to ask your nurseryman to remove a plant from its container so you can check the root development to ensure it is ready to be planted into your garden and give it the best chance of survival. if they refuse to do this than perhaps you should reconsider your decision to purchase.
Another great advantage of starting with small tube grown Australian plants is that they do not need to be staked. Supports actually weaken them as the stakes restrict essential movement during growth. Sometimes a simple stake in the ground to show where they are planted is sufficient to save it from the dreaded lawn mower.
Above all, if healthy well grown native plants go in during the coolest periods, while the soil is still moist, they require little further watering during the summer months.
Good tubestock Australian plants establish quickly by sending out wide ranging roots and become amazingly drought resistant, providing they get a moist start.