A few of us visited a property south of Yass this morning to see some fantastic growth in tree lanes several years old, and young Eucalypts that are naturally regenerating from mature paddock trees.
The landholders have established many tree lanes over the past few decades, one of the most recent was part of YAN's Yass Habitat Linkages Project, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.
The landholders observed natural germination of Eucalypts in the drier years, when seedlings often sprouted against a clump of grass, a rock, or branch on the ground. The following wet years have ensured strong growth.
The landholders are supporting the natural regeneration by putting cages around some of the young trees. There was a huge difference between the trees that had protection and those that didn't - the kangaroos and sheep kept the non-caged seedlings chewed down, well and truly!
They are also planting numerous paddock trees, and have found that the trees grow particularly well when planted amongst native grass. Besides the lack of competition from exotic pasture grasses, could there be a positive symbiosis at play?
Established tree lane in back ground, mature trees in mid ground, protected natural regen in foreground.
Planted paddock tree just 18 months old! Eucalyptus bridgesiana (Apple Box) are growing particularly well on this property.
Tree lanes planted by Greening Australia, approx 3.5 years old (tubestock).
The picture speaks for itself!