Project Details
| Site location | Sandflat Road, Cromwell, Otago |
| Date of evaluation | 2022 |
| Evaluated by | Adam Stastny - Natural Habitats |
| Complied by | Nick Patterson |
| Planting scheme | Revegetation |
| Soil type and conditions | Sandy profile in hostile environment |
| Site conditions | High sunshine hours in the summer and extreme frosts in winter |
| Other issues | Plants and shrubs planted in containers |
| TerraCottem product | TerraCottem universal |
| Application rate | 1.5g/1L soil |
| Installation date | 2021 |
| Installation method | Per plant. Blended with the backfill soil when planting. |
| Watering method | Above ground irrigation |
| Watering schedule | An hour every second day |
| What issues did you have before using the TerraCottem on this site? |
High losses in the initial planting stage and very slow development of the plants due to inclement conditions with dry and hot summers and alternatively dry and cold winters |
| Why use TerraCottem? What did you want to achieve by using the TerraCottem? | Increased survival rates and a healthier plant particularly over the initial planting period. In the past, the mortality rate has been very high in this region with particularly tough growing conditions. The area planted needed to perform to fit the client's requirement of establishing a grand entrance to a new upscale residential development currently under development. |
| Did you achieve your goal with TerraCottem? | Yes |
| What were the results of your work with TerraCottem on this site? How would you describe the plants or turf? |
Faster establishment than the earlier planting in this residential development. The installation was done late in the planting season and the plants did not go into shock unlike when they were planted outside the normal winter planting season. Plants with TerraCottem grew faster than plants without TerraCottem. The native trees planted responded well and are now thriving. The plants were irrigated; however, water was accidentally turned off over the Christmas break. It was evident that the plants with TerraCottem did not show any sign of additional stress over this period. |
| Did you have a control plot (without TerraCottem)? | Yes |
| Can you make a comparison with a similar application from a previous or same season where you didn't use TerraCottem? If so, what are the differences? |
Initial establishment was much faster than earlier planting in this residential development. Plants did not go into shock as other plants have in the past, especially when planted outside the normal winter planting window as this installation was late in the season. Plants with TerraCottem grew faster compared to the plants without TerraCottem. Adam said that he was initially sceptical of TerraCottem. However, he now has seen first-hand how good the product really has performed. In his words, he said “I was extremely impressed with the way TerraCottem assisted the establishment of this planting. I have not experienced an installation in this region that has performed so well” |