Investing in Quality: Why Choosing the Right Plant Size Matters for Project Success

In the competitive world of native planting and landscaping, initial costs can often mislead stakeholders, tempting them to opt for seemingly cheaper options. However, as seasoned professionals, at Kauri Park we have learned through decades of experience that true savings and success lie in the quality and size of the plant at planting.

Understanding the True Cost of Planting

When evaluating plant material for landscaping projects, the differences between grades can be stark. For example, many competitors offer 50 cell grade plants that initially appear more budget friendly. These plants typically contain about 125ml of soil or root ball, which is only a quarter of what a 0.5L plant offers. While the lower price point of 50 cell plants may seem attractive, it comes with hidden costs that can impact the overall budget and timeline of environmental and landscaping projects.

Why Bigger Often Means Better

At Kauri Park, we focus on providing 0.5L grade plants that are not only robust but also significantly more developed than the smaller 50c grade. Here’s why the 0.5L grade is a superior choice:

Enhanced Growth Potential: Our 0.5L plants come with a root ball four times the size of the 50c options, resulting in stronger, quicker growth and enhanced stability.

Reduced Time to Maturity: With our plants, projects can achieve maturity and canopy coverage 12 to 24 months faster than those using 50c plants, crucial for projects that need to meet specific environmental consent conditions swiftly.

Lower Long-Term Costs: Although 50c plants are cheaper upfront, the longer growth times, higher maintenance requirements, and increased replacement rates due to lower survival can inflate costs significantly over time.

Strategic Planting for Long-Term Returns

Choosing 0.5L plants from Kauri Park means investing in the future of your project. Our clients have repeatedly found that paying a bit more upfront for healthier, larger plants reduces the overall lifecycle costs of their projects. This approach not only secures a higher survival rate but also ensures faster compliance with regulatory conditions—a key factor in many operational timelines.

A Worthy Investment

At Kauri Park, our commitment is to your project’s success. We’ve proven time and again that a strategic investment in the right higher-grade plants offers better returns, improved outcomes, and a more secure investment. When planning your next project, consider not just the immediate cost but the overall value and return on investment that 0.5L plants provide.

For advice on your next large scale planting project, talk to Phil – were here to help.  Phil.w@kauripark.com

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