Growth per year and mature height

One of the reasons the growth rate of Eucalypts is so rapid in areas outside Australia is the freedom from attack by diseases and leaf eating pests. In Australia a large number of insects and fungi live on Eucalyptus leaves and buds and consequently reduce their growth. Except for Psyllids and Silver Leaf disease which can occur in commercial cut foliage production, once a healthy young plant is planted out, there is unlikely to be any pest or disease problem.

IMPORTANT: Potential Mature height corresponds approximately with the growth rate of the species i.e. the faster the growth the larger the tree. There is a close correlation between their growth rates and mature height. Trees that grow rapidly will in general make tall trees. Slower growing species will make smaller trees. Some customers would like a species that will grow rapidly for two or three years, get to about 15ft, and then stop. This is not the way that Eucalypts grow. Please choose the species with a mature height that you require or you must be prepared to coppice, pollard or hedge them.

	S - Slow less than 1.0 metre/year	& less than 10 metres mature height
	S-M - Slow to moderate. 1 metre/year	& less than 15 metres mature height
	M - Moderate 1.0 to 1.5 metres/year	& less than 20 metres mature height
	F - Fast 1.5 to 2.0 metres/year	& Over 20 metres mature height

These heights and growth rates will be less in exposed areas, on infertile soil or in areas with a short growing season.

The growth rates relate to trees in their second and subsequent seasons growth after planting. Growth whilst establishing in the first season will not be quite so fast.