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 nutrients.
Recently, I’ve been out on one of our plantings from earlier this season, applying a release spray. We noticed that some of the trees have already grown large enough that they don’t need immediate attention. However, smaller trees or those with grass surrounding them require a bit of extra care. With a careful spray, we clear the grass around these young plants, allowing them to focus all their energy on growing tall and strong.
The key here is precision. We use our sprayer like a scalpel, not a flamethrower. The goal is to apply just the right amount of herbicide around each tree, stopping the grass from overtaking it. This method prevents the grass from choking the trees, which can ultimately cause them to die by suffocating them and starving them of light.
We aim to complete this step around mid-spring, just before the grass reaches its peak growth. By the end of summer, the grass will have laid down as mulch, and the tree will have grown above the competition. By the following year, the tree will be well on its way to becoming a fully established part of the forest.
If you’re looking to ensure that your newly planted trees get the best start possible, releasing is an essential part of the process. At Restore Native, we offer the expertise and services to ensure that your trees are properly maintained every step of the way. Get in touch with us for advice or to learn more about how we can help your trees thrive.
