Getting plants in the ground is one thing - getting them to actually thrive is another.
At Restore Native, we see the same few mistakes time and time again. The good news is they’re easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
Here are three of the most common planting mistakes and how to get it right from the start.
1. Choosing the wrong plant for the wrong place
This is the biggest one. Different species are suited to very different environments, and if you get this wrong, you’re setting yourself up for poor results straight away.
Take swamp flax (harakeke) for example - the name says it all. It belongs in wet, heavy soils. It’s perfect for damp areas, wetlands, and lower-lying ground. It’s not a plant for dry hill country or exposed slopes.
We often see plants like this placed right on the edge of drains or in areas that don’t actually hold enough moisture. Over time, they struggle.
The key: Match the plant to the environment - soil type, moisture, and exposure all matter.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth using a planting guide or getting advice before you start. It makes a big difference to how your planting establishes and how it looks long term.
2. Not digging the hole deep enough
This one comes up a lot, especially in harder ground. If the hole isn’t deep enough and the root ball sits too high, you’ll often see roots exposed above the soil. Those roots are meant to be underground - they’re what feed the plant.
When they’re exposed:
The plant experiences transplant shock
It becomes more vulnerable to drying out
Growth slows, or the plant may fail altogether
For taller plants, shallow planting can also mean they’re unstable and more likely to fall over.
The key: Make sure the hole is deep enough so the entire root ball sits properly below ground level, with good soil contact around it.
3. Not firming the plant into the ground
This one’s easy to overlook. A common mistake is planting the tree, lightly covering it with soil, and leaving it at that because it looks tidy. But if the plant isn’t properly firmed in, there’s no real contact between the roots and the soil. That affects how well the plant can establish and take up moisture.
You’ll often find that if you give the plant a gentle tug, it lifts straight out - not a good sign.
The key: After planting, firmly press the soil around the base using your foot (heel or ball of your foot works well). The plant should feel solid and stable in the ground.
That firm contact helps the roots settle and gives the plant the best chance to establish quickly.
Get it right from the start
Native plants are hardy - but giving them the right start makes all the difference between something that survives and something that thrives.
If you want to get your planting right from day one, we’ve put together a planting guide to help you choose the right species and approach for your site.
Or, if you’d prefer to talk it through, get in touch with the team at Restore Native - we’re happy to help you plan it properly.
