The Resilience of Vegetation

The recent bushfires on the North Coast have had a huge impact on landholders and landholdings, and on the native plants and animals that inhabit this diverse region.

Fire is often associated with negative impacts on the environment, such as the burning of vegetation communities that may not recover or the subsequent potential for soil erosion or weed invasion in areas. However, fire can also be beneficial for our plants and animals by triggering new growth and creating habitat. Some examples are outlined below.

Vegetation can survive by protecting the sensitive inner tissues by thick bark on trees or leaf sheaths on grasses. The bark of eucalypt trees protects epicormic buds which can re-sprout following fire and ensure the survival of the tree.

Fire can promote new plant growth by clearing thick understorey and reducing competition. This new growth may provide food for herbivores.

Fire can trigger germination in some seeds by physically cracking seed coats or through chemical cues emitted by smoke. In some cases, fallen ash will have fertilised the soil providing an excellent medium in which the seed can germinate.

Soil can insulate plant storage organs from the damaging effects of fire. For example, perennial plants that propagate from underground tubers, rhizome or corms can flower following fire. Many Eucalypt species have woody swellings at the base of their stems or trunks called lignotubers, for example, Red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera).  Disturbance, such as fire, can stimulate growth from the lignotubers.

Fallen logs and burnt trees can create new habitat for animals who need hollows for nesting and shelter. Fungi growing on living and dead trees may also provide food, assist with decomposition, and help to capture water and nutrients for trees.

The time that plants take to show new growth will vary depending on the intensity of the fire, weather conditions and the species. It is vital to allow time for vegetation to recover before assessing whether it is alive or dead. New growth also minimises the risk of soil erosion and provides cover for animals.

If you wish to undertake some vegetation management but aren’t sure whether the vegetation on your property will recover, please contact the Land Management Team in North Coast Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 to discuss your property.