Wheatbelt NRM has been visiting nurseries recently to assess the quality and health of seedlings we’ve ordered for projects this year.

The site visits give us the opportunity to identify potential problems and make any required changes easily.

The 470,000 seedlings we’ve ordered this year include over 200 different species that are suitable for the Avon River Basin.

They will go in the ground between July and September and be planted out in nearly 50 projects, including:

• Healthy Environments: Mortlock Connections, 20 Million Trees, Bushcare Grants
• Sustainable Industries: Perennials for Profit, Trials and Demonstrations
• Productive Relationships: Bush Tucker, Community Free Tree days, National Tree Planting Day.

While every assurance is made that seedlings meet strict quality standards, this isn't always enough to ensure good survival rates.

For the best seedling survival rates, make sure appropriate site preparation has been carried out beforehand, including weed and rabbit control, and ripping and/or mounding where required.