Maintaining your revegetation

Patience!
Plants that have been direct seeded will take time to establish and the site is likely to look untidy at first (depending on how thorough your weed control was).
Don't be too impatient - even in moderate seasonal conditions the key to success is good site preparation before seeding or planting.

Inspect germination of direct seeding sites
After direct seeding the first inspection is not usually needed for four to six weeks germination (depending on the season)
Different species will germinate at different times. Some will germinate many months after sowing, and others may come up more than a year later.

Pest animals
Check the site when seedlings are at the two-leaf stage for large numbers of pest animals, particularly Red Legged Earth Mite and in wet years, slugs. Implement pest control as required.
Check seedlings for evidence of grazing/browsing and apply appropriate management if required, for example, protection from wallabies.

Post weed control
Post-planting/seeding weed infestations will be reduced if the site preparation has been carried out thoroughly.

Fencelines
Check, when convenient, that fencelines are stock proof, and, for electric fencing, not shorting out (ensure you include a gate to get the stock out!).

Plant losses
If required, replace any plant losses as soon as conditions permit (except if it is a farm forestry planting that will be thinned).

Thinning
Thinning is likely if it is a farm forestry site. However, if the purpose is to achieve a natural effect, generally leave the seedlings to sort themselves out. This is especially important for direct seeding.

Tree guards
If tree guards have been used, maintain them and remove as needed. Be mindful if using plastic guards to remove them as soon as practicable. You can reuse them, or pass them on to others. Don't create plastic pollution.

Watering
Watering at the time of planting establishes good root to soil contact and helps over come transplant shock. If this is not possible firming around the seedling with your feet can help. If it is a very dry year and you can, follow up watering can help keep plants alive.