The common threats
- Browsing and physical damage to young saplings, a protection problem.
- Stem/shoot borers that can affect growing trees.
- Root and collar rot, usually linked to poor drainage or over-watering.
- Occasional fungal leaf and stem issues, more likely in humid conditions.
What management controls
Most risk is reduced upstream: healthy certified stock, well-drained sites, correct irrigation, fencing and guards, and regular monitoring so problems are caught early. Drainage discipline in particular prevents a large share of root problems.
What it can’t promise
No plantation eliminates pest and disease risk entirely, and some tree loss is normal over a 12-year horizon. This is precisely why survival-rate reporting matters: an operator who counts and reports losses honestly is more trustworthy than one who claims perfect survival.
What to ask
Ask to see survival reports for older blocks and how the field team handles outbreaks. Evasiveness here is a warning sign, see our guide on spotting a scam. For the wider risk picture, read the risks page.