Management - Browsing control/Fire season precautions
Previous - Planting
Next - Forest Health
Browsing Control
It is important that trees are fenced off from stock to prevent any damage. After a year or two when trees are over 2m tall, lambs and ewes may be reintroduced to the site. It is essential that grazing be monitored regularly to reduce the likelihood of damage.
On Kangaroo Island in particular, animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and possums can cause significant damage and possibly complete loss to newly established plantations. Fencing and authorized culling are critical components of wildlife browsing control. For more information on wildlife browsing control refer to the Wildlife Browsing Management for Farm Forestry on Kangaroo Island fact sheet available from Private Forestry KI.
Fire season precautions
Each year, before the start of the fire season, growers are required to make preparations to protect their plantations. Firebreaks should be slashed during spring, and grazing with lambs or ewes may also be carried out once the trees are over 2 m tall.
As an added precaution, a single plough cut or one pass with a grader around the edges of the plantation (2 - 3 m wide) will give an added level of protection from any ground fires that may enter from neighbouring paddocks or roadsides. However, if ploughing or grading is not practical, one pass along the plantation edge with a boom spray during weed control operations can also be carried out.
Previous - Planting
Next - Forest Health
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry/farm_forestry/regional_information/growing_trees_on_kangaroo_island/management
- Page Last Modified: November 8, 2011