A significant amount of the land available for forestry in Ireland is deficient in nutrients. Consequently fertilisation of the land prior to planting is sometimes necessary if trees are to grow successfully.

On sites where fertilisation is requiresd Coillte usually applies fertilizer only once in the average forest's 40 year cycle. This makes forestry a much less intensive user of fertilizer than agriculture or horticulture. Occasionally, it is necessary to apply a second batch of fertilizer on nutrient deficient areas when the trees are 10-15 years old in circumstances where the trees stop growing or only grow very slowly. Difficulties with accessing these areas mean that such fertilisation can only be done by helicopter.

Each year following scientific analyses and a comprehensive planning and consultation process Coillte carries out a programme of aerial fertilisation. This programme is limited to areas where remedial action is badly needed and is done very carefully using helicopter crews with state of the art GPS equipment and much experience of these operations thus ensuring accuracy and evenness of application and the avoidance of sensitive areas such as rivers, streams or wetlands.

All fertilisation is carried out in accordance with Forest Service Guidelines and following consultation with the Regional Fisheries Board. Coillte also implements a programme of local information and consultation to ensure that people who could be affected are informed and generally allay any concerns about what is going on. Fertiliser is the only product applied from the air by Coillte; we do not spray any pesticides or any other chemicals from helicopters. For further information, please see the forest protection section of our website