NCGS Suitability Criteria
The eight conditions scored at a site assessment. Six safe-space criteria ask whether a tree can survive here; two ecological criteria ask whether it should be planted here at all. Landowner agreement is a precondition, not a criterion.
Access
The site can be reached for maintenance and monitoring in every season.
Caretaker
A named steward or owner who accepts responsibility for the trees.
Ecological appropriateness
Whether planting here would harm the existing ecosystem, and whether indigenous, biome-appropriate species are available.
Land cover and biome
What is there now, coded to the land-cover and vegetation-type schemes with an intactness value. Not met when the cover is intact indigenous grassland, wetland or riparian ground.
Security
Protection from livestock, vehicles, vandalism and fire: a fence, a guard or the location itself.
Soil and ground
Depth, drainage and compaction fit for a tree; not rubble, a sealed surface, or unstable or contaminated ground (the ground-hazards scheme).
Space and services
Room for the mature canopy, clear of power lines, pipes, buildings and paving.
Water
A reliable water source within carrying distance, and someone named to water.