Grass Tree Care

Transplanting a grass tree involves a specialised process of tree preparation, extraction from the ground and ongoing care. When you follow the replants transplant instructions and acknowledge our design and site considerations the process is painless and results in healthy vibrant grass trees. As a guide you should expect to see the following changes to your grass tree over the next 24 months.

• First 6mnths  Rapid root growth with some browning of foliage tips. Outer layer of foliage can also brown but don't be concerned.
• 6 to 12mths   New root system becomes established as roots grow downwards following moisture from regular deep saturation watering. Lots of new yellow foliage shoots growing from centre of tree begin to appear and turn to a bright green as they become exposed to sunlight.
• 12 to 24mths New foliage is predominant as older foliage has begun forming a dry skirt around trunk. Root system is well developed however deep watering is still required to carry tree through periods of high evaporation until roots have become more established.
• 24mths ON    Grass tree has developed root system and is now self reliant in finding it's own water to survive. The brown skirt of spent foliage may be trimmed if desired to reveal the black trunk once again.

Grass tree health

The replants transplant formula was developed to reduce plant stress and promote healthy growth during transplanting by introducing an active colony of microbes and important trace elements to the soil. In addition the formula will also inoculate the soil and kill soil pathogens, creating a disease free environment for the new root system to develop.

Using the formula as directed is the first step toward eliminating a variety of pests which prey on grass trees which are not healthy or under stress.

Below is a list of problem insects and recommended action you can take if insects take to your grass tree.

Scale   Scales are sapsuckers and also cause a fungus, known as ‘sooty mould'. Sooty mould grows on the excretions of the scales. Spray pyrethrin onto the infected foliage. Neem oil will also help control scale.

Mealybugs    Like scales, Mealybugs are sapsucking insects. Mealybugs are small insects usually found in protected areas of the foliage. Spray white oil onto infected foliage but not during hot weather.

Rust    White oil will keep rust in check until the new foliage is exposed to sunlight.

Slaters    Keep mulch 100mm from base of trunk and remove any decomposing leaf matter from foliage.

Pest insects are also kept under control by natural predators such as wasps, lady birds, spiders and small birds which highlights the importance of bio-diversity and the need to retain natural bush environments. 

Remedial action for advanced insect infestation

Many infestations can be overcome by burning the foliage of the grass tree. Burning will kill problem insects and their larvae.

In large multi trunk grass trees which insects such as borers have infested it is appropriate action to remove the infected trunk to stop the infestation attacking other parts of the grass tree. A chain saw is used to remove the trunk then the cut is sealed with a sterile sealant. 

Signs of Water related sickness

Water logged roots
Transplanting grass trees into clay soils with insufficient drainage can lead to a water logged root system. The grass tree typically looks healthy for many months with green foliage however new growth is very limited. Limiting the water delivery or improving the drainage of the soil, so it is only moist not saturated, can help overcome this problem. However if new shoots are not fresh in appearance and can be easily pulled out from the crown, the tree does need replacing.

Dehydration
Signs of plant dehydration include browning of the foliage from the tips and poor foliage shape. Increasing the water delivery and a dose of kelp powder typically improves the plant health. A small amount of browning on foliage tips during periods of hot weather is natural so don't be alarmed.

Signs of Grass Tree Stress

Some transplanted grass trees will show signs of transplant stress usually coinciding with increasing temperatures as we move into summer.

Foliage tips and the outer layer of foliage will brown making the grass tree look quite sick especially when other grass trees planted at the same time remain green and in good shape.

Naturally you will think this tree is not well, but more often than not on closer examination of the new foliage growth you will find the tree is healthy. The new grass shoots should look crisp and vibrant. A small amount of discolouration on the tips is ok.

By maintaining our suggested twice weekly deep watering and adding an additional watering during sustained hot weather these trees normally bounce back. As an added remedy apply Seasol or similar seaweed tonic to the tree each month to encourage root growth and make the tree more resiliant.