Ongoing Maintenance and Care

At Forest4Future, we understand that planting trees is only the beginning. The true work begins after the saplings are in the ground. For a native forest to thrive, young trees must be protected and nurtured through their most vulnerable early years.

A major challenge during this phase is controlling the rapid regrowth of invasive vegetation: brambles, thorns, ivy, and non-native weeds, that can quickly overtake and choke young trees. To combat this, we return to each planting site at least two to three times per year to manually cut, pull, or dig out unwanted growth.

Using tools such as electric weed wackers, pruning shears, and forest hoes, our team carefully removes these threats while ensuring that the saplings remain undisturbed. This is physically demanding work that requires strength, patience, and attention to detail. Even with protective sleeves and support rods in place to help identify the young trees, the risk of accidental damage is real, making careful maintenance essential.

We also work with nature, not against it. Certain native plants, such as ferns, are selectively preserved. These plants provide valuable shade that suppresses the regrowth of more aggressive species and helps maintain soil moisture during hot, dry periods.

This maintenance must continue for a minimum of 8 years, until the oak and other deciduous trees have reached sufficient height and strength to outcompete surrounding vegetation and grow independently. Without this ongoing care, even the most carefully planted trees would not survive.

Unfortunately, nature alone cannot restore these native forests. Human intervention is necessary to reverse decades of degradation. Through consistent maintenance and stewardship, Forest4Future ensures that every tree we plant has the best possible chance to grow, flourish, and become part of a resilient forest for future generations.