Tree species for farm forestry
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Tree species for farm forestry


There are a number of ways to access our listings of tree species information:

  • Search on the species or the common name
  • Via the FarmForestLine choosing the right tree list. This listing returns a range of information resources that can assist you in selecting the right species according to your site requirements and desired outcomes

There are thousands of species to choose from and almost as many criteria that may be used for selecting the most appropriate type of tree. Selecting the best species mix for any planting will depend on the site, the anticipated benefits, the management options, confidence in performance and any uncertainties or risks. Introducing new species into an area carries with it a degree of uncertainty as to their likely performance and may result in unforeseen problems. Exotic or non-indigenous trees can become problem weeds in certain circumstances, or may interbreed with the local native species thereby polluting the local gene pool.

When choosing which species to plant, farmers must be clear about their selection criteria. It may be useful to specify these as being either:

  • Must haves: what the species must be able to do or provide
  • Would like to haves: attributes that would be useful or beneficial
  • Must not haves: characteristics or aspects that the species must not have
  • Would like not to haves: attributes the farmer would prefer the species did not exhibit.

Any number of criteria might be used, the importance of different criteria varying depending on the situation and the interests or concerns of those involved. These might include:

  • Indigenous, native or exotic
  • Quality of timber or other products
  • Ability to provide environmental services
  • Likely future availability and demand for its products
  • Growth rates and longevity
  • Susceptibility to disease, waterlogging, drought, or other threats
  • Familiarity and confidence in performance
  • Affect on future land values
  • Risk of becoming a weed or polluting local gene pools
  • Attractiveness
  • Bark type and risk of ringbarking by stock
  • Susceptibility of foliage to fire, ability to regenerate or impact on fire hazard

We have listings of tree species information online and in print. If you can’t find what you are looking for, contact us. If you know of species information that should be added to our list, please let us know.