1. Selecting the Right Location
Sunlight and Shade
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Most trees prefer a location with full to partial sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight), in Ballarat’s cool temperate climate, some species can tolerate more shade, but confirm your tree’s specific light requirements with our team at the time of purchase.
Wind Exposure
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Ballarat can be breezy, especially in open areas. You should check with our team prior to buying trees to ensure the selected trees are suitable for the proposed position.
Soil Drainage
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Most trees dislike waterlogged conditions. Look for well-draining soil or slightly elevated areas. If your site tends to stay soggy after rain, consider building up the soil or adding drainage channels. Ask our team about certain trees that enjoy a soggy location.
Frost Tolerance
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One of Ballarat’s toughest challenges is frost, which occurs when temperatures drop near or below freezing and moisture in the air condenses into ice crystals on plant surfaces (most common from late autumn through early spring).
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While our stock is grown outdoors in Ballarat’s weather and generally well-adapted to local conditions, some varieties remain more susceptible to frost damage than others. For this reason, we store certain vulnerable plants under shade cloth in winter.
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If you’re concerned about frost damage, consider planting under an eave, near larger established trees, or in a naturally protected area. These locations can help shield young or frost-sensitive plants from the worst of the cold snaps.