Tree Recruitment

AUS-TDG-LVG-TRE General High confidence

Benchmark Value

400 stems/ha

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: MinimumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

For small trees (less than 10 cm diameter at breast height), leave at least 400 stems per hectare (approximately 5 x 5 m spacing).

Metric Definition:

Density of recruiting native trees under 10 cm diameter at breast height (DBH), measured as stems per hectare

Benchmark Definition:

Minimum density of small tree recruits required to buffer against juvenile stem mortality and ensure successful transition to canopy in agricultural grazing contexts.

Justification:

This is the official federal guideline for managing and restoring regeneration in Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands under agricultural land use (livestock grazing).

Sources (1)

Preview of A guide to managing Box Gum Grassy Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 4, 2025

A guide to managing Box Gum Grassy Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 4, 2025 Journal

White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands National Ecological Community: A Guide to Managing Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australian Government (2012).

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Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Agricultural Biodiversity Target
Vegetation Woodland
Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 10 Jul 2026

Notes

This density provides a buffer against juvenile stem mortality from drought, windthrow, and fire, ensuring sufficient individuals survive to transition into the canopy.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-LVG-TRE family.