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Our Full Service Approach to Forest Restoration

At Restore Native, we’re not just about selling you trees – we’re about helping you achieve your vision for a thriving, native forest. Our full-service approach covers every stage of the restoration process, from planning to planting to ongoing care. If you have a piece of land and are considering planting native trees, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.Planning Your ProjectThe first step to successful forest restoration is getting the right advice. Whether you’re starting ...

Pot Sizes and the Right Tree for the Job

When selecting native trees for your garden or restoration project, one of the key factors to consider is not just the size of the plant, but the type of tree and how it grows. At Restore Native, we take great care in choosing the right species for each stage of growth, and pot size plays an important role in how well the tree will develop. Take the Tōtara, for example. We provide these in one-litre pots, and while it may not seem large, it’s already at nearly a metre tall with a strong,...

The Recyclable Plant Tray Revolution

At Restore Native, we’re always striving to make our processes as sustainable as possible. As a nursery, we understand the environmental impact that plastic can have, and we’ve seen firsthand the waste it can create in the industry. From discarded pots to bags left out in the elements, plastic waste has been a major concern. That’s why we decided to take action.The Problem with Traditional Plastic in the Nursery IndustryFor years, the nursery industry has relied heavily on plastic for grow...

Restoring Erosion-Prone Land with MPI’s Hill Country Erosion Fund

At Restore Native, we’re proud to work alongside landowners and organizations like the Waikato Regional Council to restore erosion-prone farmland to thriving native bush. One of the most impactful initiatives supporting this effort is the Hill Country Erosion Fund, a program funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and administered locally.Why Focus on Hill Country?New Zealand’s hill country is a vital part of our landscape, but it’s also highly vulnerable to erosion. Overgrazin...

Choosing the Right Grade and Size for Your Native Plants

When planning a planting project, selecting the right grade and size for your plants is crucial. At Restore Native, we grow our plants in various grades to suit different needs, species, and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the options we offer and why they’re ideal for specific situations. T40 Cell GradeOur 40-cell grade is perfect for hardy, fast-growing species like Mānuka and Kānuka. These plants develop strong roots while maintaining a balanced size above ground. This grade is an a...

Join Us in Restoring New Zealand’s Native Forests

At Restore Native, we believe that New Zealand’s future lies in balancing productive farming with the restoration of our precious native forests. Our vision is to help landowners transform unproductive farmland into thriving, biodiverse native ecosystems. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance the natural beauty of your land, we’re here to support you every step of the way.A Comprehensive Approach to Native Forest RestorationWe understand that restoring land requires mo...

Investing in the Latest Technology to Grow Quality Native Trees

At Restore Native, we're always looking for ways to improve our operations and ensure the best possible quality for our customers, without compromising on affordability. In 2023, we made a significant investment in cutting-edge technology to streamline our plant production process.Why Technology in Native Plant Growing?Growing quality native plants is at the heart of what we do. But as demand for native trees continues to grow, we knew we needed to invest in technology that would not only improv...

Pest Control for Native Forest Restoration

We’re passionate about more than just planting trees – our mission is to create and restore thriving native ecosystems. A critical part of that journey is pest control. Whether you’re managing an Environmental Benefit Lot (EBL) or simply working to rejuvenate your patch of bush, addressing pest species is vital to protecting and nurturing native flora and fauna.Why Pest Control MattersNative ecosystems face significant threats from introduced pests such as possums, rats, stoats, and wasps....

Hardy Native Plants - No Special Treatment

At Restore Native Plant Nursery, we take pride in producing plants that thrive in the real world—no special treatment required!Our process begins with seed collection. Each plant starts its journey as a carefully chosen seed, which is nurtured in our greenhouses before being moved outdoors. Unlike many nurseries that rely heavily on protective covers and controlled environments, we allow our plants to grow out in the open. This means they are exposed to the full force of nature—frosty winter...

Pot Sizing and Good Root Structure

When it comes to buying native plants, the size of the pot isn't the most important factor. What really matters is the development of the root system. At Restore Native, we prioritize strong, healthy roots that ensure our plants will thrive in their new homes.A well-developed root structure is the foundation of any healthy plant. In this video, you will see the roots in our pots are well-established, extending to the bottom of the pot. This creates a dense and aggressive root system, which is ex...

From Seed to Strong Tree: The Greenhouse Seedling Process

At Restore Native, growing native trees is a journey, and we want to share a step in that journey with you. After collecting and sowing the seeds, the next big step is nurturing our little tree babies in our greenhouse. Here, they get the attention they need to grow into strong, resilient plants ready to make an impact on New Zealand’s environment.The Greenhouse Stage: Where Trees Start to ThriveOnce the seeds are sown, they are placed in our greenhouses. This is where the magic happens. It’...

How to Manually Release a Tree

At Restore Native, we always emphasize the importance of releasing—removing grass and weeds that compete with young native trees for space and nutrients. But sometimes, despite all the best planning, a tree can still end up swamped by weeds. In this blog, we’ll explain how to properly perform a manual release and why it’s so important to catch the grass before it overtakes your trees.What is Manual Release?Manual release, or hand releasing, is the process of carefully clearing away the gra...

Releasing: A Key Step in Native Tree Maintenance

At Restore Native, we’re all about ensuring the health and vitality of the trees we plant. One of the most important tasks in the life of a young tree is releasing—a crucial step to help them thrive amidst competition from weeds and grasses.So, what exactly is releasing? It's the process of giving native trees the space they need to grow by removing the grass and weeds that surround them. Without this, young trees can be smothered by taller grasses, which compete for light, water, and nutrie...

The Art of Infill Planting – Enhancing Native Forests

Infill planting is a vital step in creating a thriving, biodiverse native forest. At Restore Native, we believe forests aren’t just “one and done.” They require care, maintenance, and sometimes a little help to fill in gaps and evolve into robust ecosystems in the first few years.What is Infill Planting?Infill planting involves adding new plants to an area where a native forest is already established or starting to take root. It’s particularly useful in:Replenishing Gaps: Areas where tre...

How to Release Spray a Tree

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 cr...

Balancing Productivity and Biodiversity on Your Farm

At Restore Native, we understand the delicate balance between maintaining productive farmland and restoring biodiversity. As farmers ourselves, we know the importance of making the most out of your land while also doing right by New Zealand’s environment. Here’s how we’re achieving this balance on our own farm and how you can, too.Retiring Land Back to NatureThere are areas of your farm that may not be ideal for farming, but they can be perfect for restoring native biodiversity. For exampl...

Cost-Effective Native Regeneration with Mānuka and Kānuka

Regenerating native bush doesn’t have to break the bank. At Restore Native, we specialize in providing cost-effective solutions for restoring hillsides and other challenging landscapes using hardy, fast-growing species like Mānuka and Kānuka.The Power of Mānuka and KānukaMānuka and Kānuka are ideal for regenerating native bush on hillsides. These species thrive in infertile soils, making them perfect for environments that might otherwise struggle to support vegetation. Their rapid growth...

How do I pick what species to plant?

Choosing the right tree species for your farm or block can be exciting, but selecting the right trees is crucial for both your aesthetic appeal and ecological success. Plant what you loveFirst and foremost, pick species that you genuinely like. If you don’t have an affinity for the plants you’re putting in, you’re less likely to care for them properly. Imagine driving up to your property and being greeted by trees that you admire and enjoy—this positive connection can make a big dif...

Do I need to fertilize my trees?

Thinking about giving your trees a boost with fertilization? It’s a great idea to give them a head start, but is it worth the cost and effort? Here’s a breakdown of whether you need to invest in fertilizer for your native trees.The Cost of FertilizingFertilizer tablets typically cost between 20 to 30 cents each, and applying them can add a bit of extra labour to your planting. While it may seem like a small investment, it’s worth considering whether it's the best use of your resources.When...

What time of year can I plant trees?

We're thrilled to see your enthusiasm for planting trees! However, timing is crucial to ensure your new plants thrive. Planting in the middle of February, for instance, can be challenging due to the heat. To help you make the most of your planting efforts, here's a guide on the best times to plant, depending on your site and local climate.Timing for Optimal PlantingIn the Waikato, the ideal planting window is generally in the autumn, starting when the soil becomes moist. This typically begins af...

What size trees should I buy?

This is a great question, and opinions on this can be quite strong. At Restore Native, we believe in providing options that cater to different needs and preferences.Our Standard Size: T28 GradePrimarily, we grow most of our plants in T28 grade or half a litre. These trees are approximately 500mm tall, and we've found they offer an excellent balance of size, cost, and efficiency for establishing high-quality native bush. If you're working on a revegetation project, this size is likely to be a gre...

Which Plants do the Birds and Bees love?

You want to plant for the birds and the bees – we love that! At Restore Native, planting for the birds is at the heart of what we do. When you look at our logo, you’ll see that trees for the birds are a big part of our identity.Planting for BirdsWe can provide you with specific advice about which trees will attract the birds you want to see. It's not just about planting Kowhai trees, even though they are well-known for attracting birds. Yes, Kowhai is wonderful; it flowers beautifully for a ...

Can I Plant Trees straight after Spraying?

I love that you’re eager to get out there and plant trees right after spraying—enthusiasm is always a great start! However, the timing for planting after spraying depends on the type of chemical you use. Here’s a breakdown to help guide you. Glyphosate:If you’ve used glyphosate as your pre-spray, the good news is you don’t have to wait long. Once you can see those spots confidently on the hill, you’re good to go. By then there won’t be any residual chemicals that would harm yo...

Can I get "Trees that Count" trees off you?

The short answer is yes! “Trees that Count” is a wonderful project, and we are proud to be one of their partners. If you’re looking to apply for funding with them, or you’d like a quote to help with your application, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.How It WorksApply for Funding: If you apply for funding with "Trees that Count," we can work with you to supply the necessary trees for your project.Get a Quote: Need a quote for your funding application? We can provide that, ...

Are your plants Ecosourced?

The short answer is: most of them absolutely are. At Restore Native, we are deeply committed to ecosourcing to ensure that our plants are not only hardy but also well-suited to their natural environment.Our Commitment to EcosourcingLiving on a beautiful farm in Te Miro, surrounded by stunning native bush, provides us with a fantastic opportunity to collect seeds locally. Additionally, we collaborate with many of our amazing clients across the Waikato to gather high-quality seeds. This local sour...