This post is a follow-up to the prior post of establishing slower-growing Araucaria cunninghamii/Hoop Pine inside of Vetiver circles for protection in a pasture situation.
There are 2 circles that received the full treatment and in some photos it’s impossible to tell them apart. I’ve tried to make sure it’s the photo of the same tree unless otherwise stated.
9/12/24:
11/1/25:
15/3/25:
In these photos of the other circle on the same date, one can see the Vetiver holding up against and rejecting the Setaria grass that often pulls down plantings/trees in pasture without regular cutting or herbicides. The second photo is the grass being pulled away from the Vetiver:
5/4/25:
20/4/25:
24/5/25:
Conclusion so far is that the protected trees appear to be growing somewhat quicker than other untreated circles (not enough sample size) and if it were dry, I would assume that tree transpiration would be reduced by the in-situ windbreak effect. The largest positive is the ease in finding the trees due to the difference in grass habit/appearance and the holding back of other grasses from outside intrusion. This positive would make a noticeable change in a large scale paddock planting with reduced maintenance. There has also been a reduction in weed germination, particularly grass germination inside possibly due to shade and temperature effect. Next follow-up will be after a Spring cut when the weather warms.