The autumn of 2025 was short, erratic and unpredictable for the tree nursery industry. Nevertheless, the industry generally managed to hold up well. Turnover remained on average stable and exports increased significantly. At the same time, it is becoming clear that the differences between companies are increasing and that financial pressure on some entrepreneurs is increasing considerably. This emerged from the Sectorrapport Boomkwekerij Najaar 2025 (tree nursery industry report) published by Van Oers.

Demand for greenery remains strong internationally
The report shows that the demand for greenery remains strong internationally. Export value increased by approximately fifteen percent in the autumn. Great Britain in particular shows clear growth and now represents almost forty percent of the total export value. Demand is also increasing in France and Eastern Europe, although the economic impact there is smaller. The increased dependence on foreign markets underlines the importance of stable trade relations and well-organised logistics.

Stability within the Netherlands
Within the Netherlands, turnover development remains reasonably stable, although differences between the subsectors are visible. Companies in forest and hedge plants show a slight increase in turnover, representing a recovery compared to the weaker autumn of 2024. Container cultivation companies continue to perform relatively stable, while field-grown cultivation shows an increase of approximately five percent. At the same time, traders have become more cautious with purchases and risks. As a result, day trading occurs more frequently, which results in increased uncertainty for growers. 

Financial pressure
Despite the stable turnover figures, there are certainly companies experiencing financial pressure. Companies that actively focus on export, align their assortment well with demand and closely monitor their liquidity are able to strengthen their position. Strategic entrepreneurship – including more efficient labour planning for especially smaller companies, mechanisation and strategic choices in market and scale – is becoming increasingly important for a future-proof tree nursery industry, partly due to rising labour costs and a critical revenue level that is almost equal to the realised turnover.