Deep ripping is highly recommended as part of the site preparation because it breaks up the soil, which improves root penetration. This gives the seedlings a much greater chance of surviving the first summer, and is also an advantage when competing with weeds the next growing season. If the site is susceptible to waterlogging, mounding may also be required. Seedlings Seedlings are the most effective establishment method when planting commercial trees. The main advantages are that the trees are evenly spaced, with more reliable establishment and survival than with direct seeding.
Nurseries are able to give advice regarding seedling establishment.
Management issues Thinning and pruning The major management requirements to produce sawlogs are thinning and pruning. Thinning ensures the best trees grow the quickest, and pruning encourages the trees to grow straight with a minimum number of large knots. Pruning can start at about four or five years old, using pruning shears to remove any 'double leaders' or forks, and to also remove the lower limbs. Over the life of the trees, pruning will probably be required three or four times. The idea is to encourage one straight section at least two to three metres in length, which will be the future commercial log.