Planting isn’t rocket science but there are definitely ways to do it well. Here are our recommendations to aid a positive start for your plants. 1. Using a tractor make a single furrow, or “rip”, to a depth of 300mm is recommended. It is important to do this across the contour so as not to facilitate erosion. In an ideal world, this would be completed six months prior to planting to allow time for moisture to penetrate to lower layers. Just before planting, run the tractor wheel over the rip line to ensure that air pockets will not be present beneath the plants. Roots do not like air pockets. 2. If you aren’t able to rip, then dig a small hole with a mattock or pick. Hamilton tree planters can be used along waterways in riparian areas. 3. Plant during the planting season – after the autumn break in May/June to August. 4. Place the tubes in a bucket and par fill it with water. This will ensure the plants have maximum water retention when planted and also makes them easier to remove from the tubes. 5. Remove the plant from the forestry tube by inverting the tube and tapping the edge on a hard surface. 6. Plant, ensuring that the top of the plant does not protrude above the surrounding soil level. Ensure that soil is pressed in around the plant such that all air pockets are eliminated. 7.  Make a small well with excess soil around the plant. 8.  Water in. Only 1-2 litres are needed. 9. Guard the seedling if there are rabbits present at the site (or you think that there could be). Otherwise, rabbits will destroy new seedlings and all your work will be for nought. The other destroyer of new seedlings are wallabies. If you are planting along a waterway, you will need a tall guard to allow the plant to grow beyond the reach of wallabies. Otherwise the wallabies will trim the plant to the top of the tree guard. 10. Mulching with hay, wood chips or other organic matter will aid plant establishment and assist growth. However it is not essential.