Planting big native trees early can simplify forest restoration in Aotearoa

Native forest restoration usually starts with faster growing "nurse plants" that provide shelter under which to plant bigger trees—but new research suggests some big canopy trees can be planted early too. Scientists monitored over 1800 canopy trees at restoration sites around the Tāmaki Makaurau region for three years. They found four types—pūriri, rewarewa, kahikatea, and tōtara—had a high rate of survival when planted with the nurse species, though two others—rimu and taraire—did not. Spacing nurse plants 2 m apart to give shelter without too much competition or shade, and having some protective vegetation at ground level, also helped their survival.