The sites that have been planted occassionally require chemical spraying to offer protection from either weevil or other plants blocking light in earlier stages of growth.

Spraying takes on two main aspects and uses either pesticides or herbicides to target pests and diseases (pesticides) or to eradicate weeds and invasive species (herbicides).

Spot spraying around newly planted or establishing trees is one of the tools in the establishment forester’s armory to help reduce weed growth and help promote growth within your newly planted trees.

Band Spraying is used in ground preparation when the site has been left for a few years prior to planting and this can either be done using a knapsack sprayer or using a quad and or tractor mounted boom sprayer.

Eradicating insects especially the pine weevil, which if left unchecked will destroy the young pines by ring barking the base of them, so it is essential to spray these at a time when they are feeding usually June/July using the appropriate pesticide.