Spring Planting 101: A Native Guide to Planting and Pest Control

New Zealand natives are great for local wildlife and also look stunning!

Spring in New Zealand is more than longer days and warmer weather, it’s the season of growth and renewal. For landowners and gardeners, it’s also the perfect time to plant native species and tackle those pest plants that threaten our landscapes.

At Native Restorations, we’ve spent over 20 years working across Marlborough, Nelson, and Kaikoura, helping locals protect native ecosystems. We’ve uncovered the top tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results in planting and pest removal. So we created this step-by-step Spring Native Planting 101 guide to set you up for success this season.

Why Spring Is the Best Time for Native Planting?

Spring offers the ideal balance of conditions for planting:

• Warm soil: Encourages fast root development.

• More daylight: Helps new plants photosynthesise and grow stronger.

• Autumn rains are still lingering: supporting young plants with sufficient soil moisture that doesn't require heavy watering.

Planting in spring gives your natives the best chance to establish before summer heat sets in. So let’s get started….

Step 1: Clear the Way — Removing Pest Plants

Before planting New Zealand natives, it’s vital to deal with pest plants that smother biodiversity. Left unchecked, these invasive species outcompete native seedlings for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Common pest plants to target in spring:

• Old Man’s Beard (Clematis vitalba): Strangles natives and spreads aggressively.

• Gorse & Broom: Fast-growing shrubs that dominate hillsides.

• Pest Wattles: Disrupt soil health and crowd out natives.

Best removal methods:

• Cut & Paint: Cut stems close to the ground and apply herbicide.

• Root Removal: Uproot small plants before they seed.

• Mulching: Smother regrowth and prevent light reaching seedlings.

Pro tip: Removing pest plants in spring prevents seed set and reduces work later in the year.

Step 2: Choose the Right Natives for Your Area

Not all natives thrive in the same conditions — choosing the right species for your land is key.

Fast growers for shelter:

• Kānuka

• Pittosporum species (lemonwood, kohuhu)

Wildlife attractors:

• Kōwhai (nectar for tūī, kererū, korimako)

• Harakeke/flax (nectar for birds & insects)

• Mānuka (pollinators + honey production)

Soil and site specific:

• Damp areas: Carex (sedges), toetoe, kahikatea

• Dry hillsides: kānuka, cabbage tree, māhoe

Step 3: Planting Tips for Success

Getting planting right from the start saves time and money down the track.

• Hole size: Dig twice the width of the root ball, same depth.

• Compost/Mulch: Improves soil structure and moisture retention.

• Spacing: Allow room for growth (typically 1–2m apart for shrubs/trees).

• Watering: Light but regular watering until plants establish.

Pro tip: Plant on cooler days or in the early morning/evening to reduce transplant shock.

Step 4: Protect and Maintain

Planting is only the beginning. Protecting young natives from pests, weeds, and weather ensures survival.

• Mulching: Suppresses weeds and keeps soil cool.

• Guards/Stakes: Protect against wind, rabbits, or browsing stock.

• Regular checks: Remove any pest plant regrowth before it spreads.

The Big Payoff

Investing in native planting and pest removal pays off for decades. Benefits include:

• Restored biodiversity: More native birds, insects, and plants.

• Reduced erosion: Roots stabilise soils and prevent slips.

• Healthier ecosystems: Stronger resistance to weeds and pests.

• Legacy planting: Creating a thriving landscape for future generations.

At Native Restorations, we’ve seen the transformation that happens when landowners commit to planting natives — it’s not just good for the land, it’s good for the soul.

Planting NZ Natives will attract stunning wildlife like the Tui.

FAQs About Spring Native Planting in NZ

Q: What’s the best time to plant natives in New Zealand?

A: Spring and autumn are ideal. Spring offers warmth and daylight for fast growth, while autumn provides cooler temperatures and rainfall.

Q: Why do I need to remove pest plants first?

A: Pest plants outcompete young natives. Clearing them gives your plants the best chance to establish and thrive.

Q: How often should I water new natives?

A: Light, frequent watering is best until roots establish. After that, most natives are hardy and drought-resistant.

Q: What natives grow fastest for shelter?

A: Kānuka, pittosporums, and māhoe are excellent quick growers that create protection for slower species.

Q: Do natives need fertiliser?

A: Generally, no. Natives are adapted to NZ soils, but compost or mulch helps improve soil health during establishment.

Spring Into Spring – Let’s Get Planting!

Spring is the season of opportunity. By removing pest plants and planting the right natives, you’re investing in healthier land, thriving wildlife, and a legacy that lasts for generations.

Ready to restore your land this spring? Contact Native Restorations for expert pest plant control and tailored native planting solutions across Marlborough, Nelson, and Kaikoura.