SHOVEL DELIVERS SUPERIOR RESULTS
19 Apr 2018
Plants need the best head start possible to ensure strong and healthy growth. Timberwolf utilises reforestation shovels in order to aerate and loosen the soil, thereby increasing plant water uptake and root establishment.
Timberwolf Planting is a unique contract planting company that partners with clients for extraordinary outcomes on mass planting projects across Australia. They install plants using reforestation shovels, as they deliver the best project outcomes in the safest and most efficient manner across 98 percent of site conditions.
Reforestation shovels have consistently proven to deliver superior planting quality and plant growth outcomes. As a reforestation shovel is driven into and cuts open the ground, it aerates and loosens the soil that creates a hole with roughened sides, guaranteeing the plant the best possible chance at uptake, establishment and sustained growth. The plant’s roots easily penetrate the coarse-sided hole and water percolates quickly into the loosened soil pores, increasing the water uptake by the plant and moisture-holding capacity of the soil.
Notably, Timberwolf avoids planting with augers, particularly under compacted ground conditions. In these circumstances the mechanical drilling motion of an auger polishes and glazes the sides of the planting hole, impairing root penetration, thereby directly compromising the establishment and growth of the plant.
For projects where severely compacted ground may compromise the safety, quality and efficiency of shovel planting, Timberwolf partners with their clients to find an effective solution, often utilising weighted shovels, jack hammers or mallets to ensure the best possible outcome for plant establishment and growth.
There is emerging evidence and growing demand for hand planting with shovels and, in some states, prerequisites already exist for hand planting. The NSW Government’s Quality Assurance Specifications for Landscape Planting specifically calls for hand tools to be used, specifying that augers should not be used in planting works due to compacted and glazed holes resulting from their use. The South East Queensland Restoration Framework Manual also warns that the glazing caused by augers can lead to restricted spreading of roots, compromising plant uptake and growth.
In addition to the superior planting quality outcomes, the use of shovels vastly increases Timberwolf’s efficiency and greatly reduces workplace health and safety risks. The company’s performance, safety and production speak for themselves. Take advantage of Timberwolf’s proven approach on your next project.