Canopy we do it? Yes we canopy.
- energiseotakicomms
- 27 minutes ago
- 2 min read
‘Plant in winter and know your motivation’ says native trees expert.
Ōtaki Carbon Forests hosted MPI forestry expert Ben Disney for its first public talk of 2025. Consensus is that it was motivational!
Said Ben, 'It was great seeing and feeling the enthusiasm for planting trees. I’m glad and appreciative that [Ōtaki Carbon Forests] invited me to speak and have a discussion [...] There was a lot of interaction, which I like."
In the crowd were Kāpiti Coast District Council's Biodiversity Officer Andy McKay, its Sustainability Officer Rob Dunn, and Greater Wellington Regional Council's Senior Environment Restoration Advisor, Jamie Peryer.
We've heard back from several people excited by news of Greater Wellington Regional Council's funding available for wetlands, riparian and erosion control planting.
One first time participant said of the night, "It was really insightful and inspirational too. It's given me a group I can be involved in, which gives me a sense of purpose."
Project leader Di Buchan was delighted that 13 new volunteers signed up at the meeting to help with future potting and planting sessions.
Missed the talk, but keen on the kōrero?
Here are some points from star of the night, MPI-Te Uru Rākau–New Zealand Forest Service–Forestry Advisor Ben Disney.
Many thanks to Ben and all who attended in support of this kaupapa.
Ben Disney's planting tips:
Be clear on why you are planting, and what the threats are to your planting success, including cost. Knowing these factors will steer what to plant, where to plant, future animal, pest and weed control plans… even the gaps to leave between seedlings.
Want to spend less in the future? Closer spacing should give seedlings more shade and earlier canopy cover, helping control invasive weeds.
Wider spacing means fewer plants are needed to fill an area... but then, more money might be needed in years to come to control weeds.
Spray the spots for plants with a [non-toxic!] weedkiller a few months before planting.
Plantings will not survive drought conditions if their roots are not well established. To reduce risk, only plant natives with well-developed root systems, and plant in winter when the soil is usually wettest.
In the summer, let long grass grow up around young plantings to provide some shelter from the sun and wind. This helps retain moisture too.
Interested in joining Ōtaki Carbon Forests? Nau mai haere mai.
Contact Di Buchan at otaki.carbonforests@gmail.com