Helpful hints

Alongside weed control, you can do a number of other things to enhance plant growth. The sooner your plants grow together and block out the light reaching the ground the better as this will help to suppress weed germination.

Fertiliser

Fertiliser helps plants grow quickly. It can be very important in nutrient-deficient soils or where you've used mulch. We recommend tablet fertilisers in riparian areas. Drop a tablet into a 15-20cm hole beside the plant so its roots can absorb the nutrients.

Aqua gel

In dry, sandy soils, aqua gel helps plants survive their first summer. Mix the crystals with water and, before planting, put two handfuls in a slot beside the plant location so the gel and fertiliser don't touch.

Plastic plant protectors

Plastic plant protectors were designed to protect plants from hares, but they're also good for protecting young plants from wind and herbicide spray. Do not leave the protector on too long as they can restrict the growth of the plants. You also need to check the protector after a flood as they can damage the plants they are protecting.

Spacing

Plant shrubs no more than one metre apart, and grasses and reeds about half that. In the second or third year, once the canopy has been formed and weeds suppressed, you can interplant your tree species. This mimics nature, as many native tree species need shelter and shade in the early growth stages.

Planning

It's important to plan your weed control programme to identify potential issues. Remember to consider the site's history and identify local weed problems. If the area has been grazed, weeds will grow soon after stock is removed. If you eliminate weeds before planting, you'll save time, money and resources.

Work out a timetable for your spraying, planting and other related work, and keep to it. That way, you'll stop the weeds seeding and getting ahead of your planting.

In weedy urban sites, especially where blackberry or convolvulus is a problem, start weed control at least a year before planting. This will allow you to control regrowth. On other sites, spraying weeds a few weeks before planting will give your plants a head start.

You can either blanket or spot spray (for areas of about one square metre) areas where the plants will be going. This removes grass and weeds that compete with your plants for nutrients and light.

Involve contractors when you start planning. They'll advise you on the best time to spray and should be booked about two months in advance. Note that spraying can't be done in wet or windy weather conditions, and any delays can cause spring weed growth to swamp young plants.