Restoration and Planting Tips

Plant Selection

Avoid plants that are dug from the wild. Transplanting success is usually low and the introduction of undesirable species may occur from the unknown seed bank. Digging opens up the area for the invasion of other exotics (i.e. garlic mustard and purple loosestrife), and destroys diminishing natural habitats. Genetic diversity in dug material is low because of the clonal nature of some plants.

Use common plants as they help to establish the site, making it favourable for other native plants to move in.

Avoid using rare plants because they have highly specific habitat requirements making their survival rate low.

Aggressive species (e.g. cattails) should not be planted until other species are established.

Plant Spacing 

0.5m spacing is used most commonly in projects that we have done. The plants usually provide cover in one year and start to function as a natural plant community (wildlife enhancement, soil stabilization, erosion control, toxicant breakdown, sediment deposition, nutrient removal, and aesthetics).

0.3m spacing is used when faster cover is needed and the functions of a native plant community are needed quickly.

1m spacing is used when cover is not critical. Plantings take longer to establish and are patchier. There is a higher risk of invasive species taking hold.

Planting Time

Optimal planting time is from early spring until the end of June. Planting done in the summer may need more maintenance. Late fall and winter planting are more prone to predation and frost heave.

Habitat Type 

Determine soil conditions, light levels, aspect, flood frequency and water movement of the site before planting.

Site Preparation

Proper site preparation is essential to the success of any project. Exotic removal, seed bank depletion and soil preparation help to decrease competition from non-native plants.

Management and Long Term Maintenance

Time (two years and up) is required for a native ecosystem to fully establish itself. Maintenance such as watering, mowing, burning, erosion control and exotic species removal is beneficial.

Beware of Alien Species

Plant in high densities if you are in areas with invasive plants (e.g. garlic mustard, purple loosestrife). Do not include exotics in the planting design; you may have to remove them at a later date.