Sustainable cultivation

At Ebben Nurseries, we strive to make the production of our trees even more sustainable every day. We do so by means of a nature-inclusive cultivation process, using natural processes in order to optimise the quality of our trees and minimise the impact on the environment. Ebben Nurseries is affiliated to various sustainability labels and organisations such as ‘On the way to PlanetProof’.

We currently have 11 hectares for organic cultivation in accordance with SKAL guidelines. Link Ebben Nurseries sees fully organic production as the definitive way forward; for this reason, we are making moves to expand the acreage we set aside for organic trees.

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Natural plant protection

By achieving an ecological balance on our plots, we ensure our trees are fundamentally in robust health and display greater resilience. Sustainable production means that we apply biological agents for fertilising and disease control and that we manage to reduce considerably the use of plant protection products by, for example, having grass and by sowing wild flower mixes between the rows of trees. With this native flower mix we attract insects as a natural predator for lice, amongst other things. By hanging up nest boxes and planting thickets we attract birds, which also help us to control any unwanted insects. We control weeds using our special hoeing machine which features a rubber sensor. When the sensor comes into contact with the tree, it causes the hoe to move and go round it. This enables us to prevent damage to roots. On a number of plots, we have sown yellow suckling clover which we sourced from seed company DSV. Clover is a natural fixer of nitrogen and forms dense weed-suppressing mats.

Use of sustainable materials

Where possible, we use sustainable materials in our nursery. For instance, we use biobased twine, labels and colour labels for marking the trunk circumference. These biobased products are composed of renewable resources and the twine is biodegradable. In terms of waste from our nursery, we adopt a Cradle2Cradle policy. All natural materials such as pruning waste, grass clippings and bamboo canes are recycled. 95% is processed to make mulch mix which stimulates soil life, suppresses weed growth and reduces evaporation. Beds made out of coarse timber protect the root balls against frost at our tree depot. This wood is processed into mulch mix after 2 seasons.

Climate change means sunburn poses an ever-greater threat to the health of trees. This is damage that occurs because the bark of trees becomes too hot, damaging and killing off the cambium cells. Therefore, we protect all limes, maples, beeches, hornbeams and ornamental cherries against the sun using reed mats, coir mats and biodegradable limewash.

Efficient watering technique

Rain and irrigation water is stored in a wadi in order to cut water consumption. This water is reused following natural purification via the ground. To optimise irrigation, we use soil moisture meters on our plots and the use of drip irrigation ensures optimum targeting of irrigation sprinklers and minimises waste. On most of our plots we use level-controlled drainage for irrigation. This is a technique that enables us to supply trees with water below ground, resulting in less evaporation. We use local solar panels to generate the required power. We also use wood chips on our plots. Not merely to keep the soil moist and for general stabilisation purposes but also as a natural weed control and as frost protection.

Biodiversity

Ebben Nurseries actively promotes biodiversity in different ways. For example, we have planted a nature park in Land van Cuijk which extends over 18 hectares, with more than 2,500 trees. Meandering existing ditches provide water to create a safe place for animals and insects. A natural pool has also been dug for additional storage of water and to encourage biodiversity in the park.
By sowing native flower mixes and grasses we attract different insects. For example, common meadow grass which we mentioned earlier is attractive to butterflies such as the Pearly Heath (Coenonympha arcania), Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera) and Light Arches (Apamea lithoxylaea). Red fescue is a host plant for many butterflies and moths, including the Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) and the Arran Brown (Erebia ligea). The native plants play a crucial role in the life cycle of different insects which in turn provide food for birds and small mammals. This way we contribute to biodiversity in the environment with our nursery.

Stress-resistant trees

Sustainable cultivation is not only good for the environment but also yields better trees. By introducing this process, the plant learns how to protect itself in a normal biotope, thus making it more robust once planted out in public spaces or a garden.