Autumn Action: Prepare Now for Successful Revegetation
Now that we’re in the midst of autumn (the end of the Noongar season Djeran), weeds are making the most of the extra moisture.
That means it's prime time to plan and implement weed control and revegetation actions.
Are you planning for revegetation this winter or next?
Get started with prep now!
Here's what we recommend:
1. Weed control
Use a herbicide like glyphosate to kill emerging weeds. Spray 12 months before planting and again a few weeks before planting for best results. After planting it’s important to maintain a 1-metre weed-free zone around each plant to boost survival and growth. This can be done by carefully spot spraying with herbicide or on smaller sites, through manual removal or application of thick, weed-free mulch.
2. Ripping the site
In most soils, creating rip lines every 2–3 metres to a depth of 30–50 cm improves seedling success by increasing moisture retention and breaking up the soil.
In waterlogged or saline areas, planting into the raised rip lines improves survival.
Ripping across the slope (at most sites) increases water retention at your plant site and reduces the effects of water erosion.
Note: Avoid ripping in deep sand or cracking clay soils.
3. Pest control
Uncontrolled rabbits can destroy all your hard work. They eat young plants, dig up root systems, and spread weeds. Best practice is to combine multiple control methods:
1080 baiting (best in drier months)
Calicivirus release
Fumigation
Warren destruction
Shooting
Harbour removal
Don’t forget controlling foxes and cats is essential to protecting native wildlife once rabbit numbers drop. Use multiple methods including 1080 baiting (especially in autumn and spring), cage trapping, and shooting.
Integrated weed and pest animal control are also important after planting to ensure your revegetation project is successful so make sure to monitor your site and act as needed.
How can Wheatbelt NRM help?
Funding is available for landholders in the Avon River Basin to support:
Revegetation
Weed control
Pest animal control
Fencing of remnant vegetation
Installation of artificial Cockatoo nest boxes or Chuditch dens in suitable habitat
These efforts aim to protect the Eucalypt Woodlands of the WA Wheatbelt and habitat for Carnaby’s black-cockatoos and Chuditch.
Learn more & apply below or contact Senior Project Officer Kate.
These projects are funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management, a member of the Regional Delivery Partners panel.