Choose the right tree for your site

Trees work well when integrated into the landscape to complement and diversify existing land uses. Tree planting needs to be well planned by considering the long-term maintenance and end-use of the trees. If on farms, then take a whole farm approach and look at your land’s potential, water resources, environmental factors and terrain. Farm plans can help with this.

Last updated: 10 September 2026

Environmental factors

You need to match the right tree to the right site. Look at your site and list the environmental factors your trees will need to deal with. These include:

  • temperature
  • rainfall
  • wind exposure including sea salt spray
  • shade and sunlight
  • drought conditions
  • soil type and ground conditions like sandy, swampy or dry
  • soil fertility (amount of nutrients in the soil) and acidity (pH levels)
  • frost
  • snow
  • pests, such as rabbits and possums.

Choose the right trees for your location

You can find out what grows well where you live by:

  • contacting your local council and nurseries for advice
  • looking at what is growing in neighbouring areas. Some regional councils might have aerial images you can use to identify tree species
  • talking to your neighbours.
Get planting advice and help

Species selection tool

Farm Forestry's tool allows you to narrow down the species suitable for growing on your whenua by selecting your:

  • altitude
  • rainfall
  • soil depth and drainage
  • temperature
  • wind
  • commercial return.
Species selection tool – Farm Forestry New Zealand
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