Large-scale planting projects can be a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. Whether you're planting trees for a reforestation project or any large scale plantings. Understanding these factors and how they could affect your budget can help you plan and manage your project more effectively. In this article, we'll explore five key factors that could impact the cost of your large-scale planting project, from site preparation and plant selection to labour costs and ongoing maintenance.
- Unforeseen extensions on projects
Unforeseen extensions on a planting project can have an impact on the overall cost of the project. These extensions can arise due to a variety of factors, such as unfavourable weather conditions, unexpected delays in site preparation, or supply chain disruptions that impact the availability of fencing materials etc. If your planting project is delayed, you may need to pay the nursery for holding costs, which can include expenses such as irrigation, fertilization, and pruning. Additionally, the longer the plants remain in the nursery, the larger they will become, potentially leading to higher transportation costs and increased planting difficulty.
2. Pest Management
Controlling pests and diseases is another important piece of the puzzle. If the planting area often see animals that likes to eat a good green thing then you will need to plan for pest exclusion (fencing and guards) or eradication (hunting and trapping). Some plants like the Kanuka are not targeted by wild animals, varieties such as these will help you save on pest management, if it is an issue.
3. Preparation (spray, fencing, labour)
The cost of preparing the planting site can vary significantly depending on factors such as soil quality, topography, and the amount of vegetation that needs to be cleared. Usually preparation would involve fencing off waterways (if on stock land) and then spraying 'dots' where the plants will be planted. So the fencing material, spray and labour all add to the expense but it's well worth preparing properly to give the plants the best chance at establishment.
4. Maintenance
Once your planting project is established, ongoing maintenance such as watering, spraying and fertilization will be necessary to ensure the health and longevity of the plants. Plant Guards are also used to help with maintenance, and protect the new plants but they are not needed on all sites. The cost of maintenance can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, mainly maintenance would include one or two post sprays and possibly further pest eradication (if planting site is targeted by deer, pigs or hares).
5. Infill Planting
Infill planting refers to the process of filling in areas where plants have died or failed to establish. Infill planting can be necessary in large-scale planting projects, particularly in areas with harsh growing conditions or where the plants are subject to damage or disease. The cost of infill planting will depend on the number and size of plants needed, as well as the labour and materials required to establish them. Proper planning and management can help minimize the need for infill planting, reducing the overall cost of the project.
Understanding the various factors that can impact the cost of a planting project is essential to ensure that you are able to budget appropriately and manage your resources effectively. Whether you are planting trees for restoration or any large scale planting project, taking the time to consider these factors can help ensure that your investment is protected and that your project achieves its goals.