Forest scientists share top tips for National Tree Day [AU]
Friday 24 Jul 2026
This Sunday morning, in parks, paddocks and backyards across the
country, thousands of Australians will kneel in the winter soil and
plant a tree. Planet Ark’s National Tree Day turns 30
this year, and Australians have planted almost 28 million trees through
the event since 1996.
Schools get their turn a little earlier, with Schools Tree Day on
Friday, 24 July 2026.
The scientists, professionals and growers who manage Australia’s
forests would like those trees to still be standing for generations to
come, and that is why Forestry Australia has released its top nine tips
for planting a tree that thrives.
Whether a seedling grows into a healthy, mature tree is determined
largely by what happens before planting and in the months and years that
follow. Careful preparation, selecting the right tree for the right
place, and consistent follow-up care are as important as the enthusiasm
of planting day.
Forestry Australia Director and tree grower Leon Holt said,
“Planting a tree is something anyone can do to make a
positive and enduring difference for your community and environment. Our
handy tips for tree planting ahead of National Tree Day will help to
make sure your efforts continue to have an impact for many years to
come.”
Here are the top nine tips from the experts:
- Get to know your area. Before choosing a tree,
take time to understand the conditions. Consider annual rainfall,
seasonal temperatures, exposure to frost, heat or drought, and the kind
of soil you are working with.
- Check before you plant. Make sure you have
permission to plant, especially on public, rented or shared land. Keep
well clear of buildings, boundaries, powerlines, roads and underground
services.
- Choose the right species. The right tree in
the right place has the best chance of thriving. Select a species suited
to your local climate, soil, available space and intended purpose,
whether that is shade, habitat, shelter, food production or visual
appeal. Your local nursery can offer valuable advice.
- Decide between seedlings and advanced trees.
Small seedlings are often easier to establish and can adapt
quickly to their new environment. Larger, more advanced trees provide
immediate impact but generally require more careful planting, watering
and maintenance.
- Pick the right spot. Look closely at the
conditions within your planting site. Sunlight, shade, wind, moisture
and competition from nearby vegetation can vary considerably across a
small area. Avoid planting too close to established trees, where your
seedling will compete for water, nutrients and light.
- Prepare the site. Preparation makes a
significant difference to survival and growth. Loosen compacted soil so
air and water can move through the profile, remove competing weeds and
consider whether protection from grazing animals, wildlife or other
pests will be needed.
- Plant with care. Follow the planting and care
instructions from your local nursery or tree supplier. Handle roots
gently, plant at the correct depth, firm the soil carefully and avoid
burying the trunk. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and involve
family, friends or your local community.
- Water and protect. Newly planted trees need
reliable moisture while their roots establish. Water deeply during dry
periods and use mulch to suppress weeds and slow evaporation, keeping it
clear of the trunk. A tree guard can also protect against animals, wind
and accidental damage.
- Keep caring for it. Planting day is only the
beginning. Regular watering, weed control, inspection and protection
during the first few years can greatly improve a tree’s chance of
reaching maturity, and a little attention early on can deliver joy and
benefits for decades.
A tree planted this weekend will still need care next summer, and for
many summers to come. The trees that thrive are generally those that
someone continues to watch, protect and nurture.
The same is true of Australia’s forests, which need ongoing,
active and adaptive management to stay healthy and resilient. That is
the everyday work of Forestry Australia’s members, who draw on
science, practical experience and local knowledge to care for our
forests now and into the future.
Forestry Australia spokespeople are available for interview ahead of
National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July.
More >>
Source: Forestry Australia
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