At Restore Native, we’re always aiming to give our trees the best possible start in life, and one of the most important steps in their early growth is releasing. Releasing is the process of removing the competition of grasses and weeds around newly planted native trees. If done at the right time, it helps to ensure that the trees have enough space and nutrients to grow without being smothered.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of how to release spray a tree, and why it’s a crucial part of maintaining the health and vitality of your native forest.
When to Release Spray?
The best time to perform a release spray is during mid-spring, when your trees have had enough time to establish their roots and are starting to grow. At this stage, the grass and weeds around the tree are starting to get more competitive, and we want to prevent them from overtaking the young trees.
For example, this tree was planted earlier in the winter and had a pre-spray to manage weeds before planting. Now, as we approach late spring, the grass is starting to encroach, so we need to give the tree a release spray to protect it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Releasing a Tree
Prepare the Tree and Area: Before applying the release spray, ensure that the tree is well-established. It should have visible new growth, indicating it’s ready for the release process.
Select the Right Herbicide: The goal of releasing is to kill the grass and weeds around the tree, but not harm the tree itself. Use a targeted herbicide for grasses and weeds, applying it only to the areas around the base of the tree.
Spray Around the Tree: Using a sprayer, apply the herbicide around the tree in a 500mm arc. Be sure to cover the area where the grass and weeds are competing with the tree, but avoid spraying directly on the tree. The goal is to clear the area around the tree and allow it to continue growing without competition.
Watch the Results: After the release spray, the grass and weeds around the tree will start to die off. This process will ensure that the tree has enough space to thrive and grow without being smothered. As the weeds break down, they also act as mulch, providing additional benefits to the tree.
By performing a release spray, you help your trees grow taller, stronger, and healthier, ensuring they continue to thrive as part of your native restoration project.
If you’re planting trees this season or already have young trees in your project, it’s a good time to think about releasing. At Restore Native, we’re always here to guide you through the process, whether it’s helping with tree planting or providing the advice and services you need to maintain your trees.
