<em>Eucalyptus globulus</em> Growth Response to Patterns of Weed Control

AIMS:
To assess the area of weed free zone required by Tasmanian blue gums to sustain optimum growth during the first year on sites with 4 metre inter row spacing.

CONCLUSIONS:
• Weed control is essential during the first year of plantation establishment if significant losses of planting stock and growth are to be avoided.
• Vermin control to minimise the impact of browsing is essential during the first year of establishment if significant losses of tree growth are to be avoided.
• There was no significant advantage in tree growth or survival achieved by increasing the weed free strip beyond 2 m in width during the first year of establishment in this trial.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
• A minimum 2 m wide weed free strip is recommended for the establishment of Tasmanian blue gums in the Green Triangle Region.