Diario del proyecto Gahnia Grove - Site summary and discussion

Archivos de Diario para diciembre 2019

miércoles, 25 de diciembre de 2019

Pinales and exotic pine and fir trees on Tanekaha Ridge

Here are some of the observations to date of Pinales in the Gahnia Grove restoration trial area and the
Pinaceae in the native forest of Tanekaha Ridge

We understand that many exotic pines were felled decades ago to facilitate regeneration of the present native forest. In some areas, scattered exotic pines currently contribute to habitat for numerous native species including orchids, through moisture retention, shade and weed suppression.

Plant diversity can be further increased with carefully considered partial removal of the pine litter to exposed areas in the margins, where it helps suppress exotic grass invasion and is especially valuable for moisture retention in summer when judiciously arranged around existing native seedlings of the acid-tolerant species common in this plant community.

Juveniles and seedlings allowed to mature will incur the significant - and to date prohibitive - cost of arborism once they reach a certain height, or threaten native vegetation and safety once they begin to drop branches.

Several seedlings found in the younger manuka margin of the forest are believed to be Douglas fir, which is apparently more shade tolerant than Pinus species and thus more of a problem in this situation. These seedlings are in the vicinity of a Pinus pinaster, Maritime pine, about 6m H.

It is understood that Resource Consent requirements regarding invasive tree removal are under review, and we look forward to learning how this will affect the removal of juvenile exotic pines from this area of regenerating native forest, and from its margins alongside recreational areas.

Our observations of this area suggest that pruning or removal should only be done if and when soil has regained its normal moisture after the current drought.. and only during autumn or winter, not only to avoid disturbing nesting birds but, even more importantly, to avoid destructive light invasion and loss of soil moisture during dry periods.

Publicado el miércoles, 25 de diciembre de 2019 a las 09:19 PM por kaipatiki_naturewatch kaipatiki_naturewatch | 1 comentario | Deja un comentario