The cultivation of standard trees in the Netherlands predominantly takes place in the Betuwe region, within the clay soils of Opheusden, located between the major rivers. Initially focused on fruit growing, the region shifted its focus to standard tree cultivation during the 20th century. Over 160 companies are members of Tree Centre Opheusden (TCO), collectively managing 1,950 hectares primarily dedicated to standard trees.

Author: Heidi Peters

When we talk about the Opheusden region, we refer to the municipalities of Buren, Neder-Betuwe, and Overbetuwe. A 2022 document from the Standard Tree Pact reveals that around 1,250 people are employed in the standard tree sector, primarily in family businesses. In the municipality of Neder-Betuwe, the sector accounts for 8% of the businesses and 8% of the employment. Tree Centre Opheusden was established ten years ago. Part of TCO is the Standard Tree House (het Laanboomhuis), which serves as TCO’s headquarters and also offers training programs. In collaboration with Hoornbeeck Connect, TCO developed its own vocational training program in tree cultivation, currently attended by over 40 students. TCO is represented in both the Standard Tree Pact (Laamboompact) and Greenport Gelderland. The organisation operates through five working groups, with its current vision focusing on space for entrepreneurship, public support, and sustainability.

Björn Kohlmann, technical advisor at TCO, explains: “Over a year ago, we established the Knowledge Workshop for Standard Trees (Kenniswerkplaats Laanbomen) and asked our members which themes should be included. Six topics emerged: soil quality, integrated pest management, water quality and quantity, biodiversity, reducing emissions, and nutrient cycles. These themes are all interconnected. For example, we are currently initiating a two-year project to map and improve field emissions related to crop protection and nutrients. This is part of our goal to create a sustainable cultivation system that ensures we retain the ‘license to operate’ in our industry. The challenge is that tree cultivation involves long-term crops, while subsidies are often short-term. Therefore, we are working with knowledge partners to find opportunities for long-term research, spanning six to eight years.” Other sub-projects include collaborations with HAS University of Applied Sciences on the ‘Living Soil Works’ (Levende Bodem Werkt) program focused on soil quality and with ‘Nature-Inclusive Betuwe Farming’ (Natuurinclusief Betuws Boeren) to enhance biodiversity. “There is a wealth of experience, but there is still so much about soil that we do not yet understand. That’s where we aim to make progress.”

We talked to three tree nurseries; Boomkwekerij M. Peterse and Mabo Boomkwekerijen from the Opheusden area, and Bie boom BV, one of the few standard tree growers in the Zundert area.

If you learn it young…

Maurice Peterse manages approximately four hectares of whips in Opheusden. The young entrepreneur comes from a family of standard tree growers. In his teenage years, he began cultivating whips on a small plot of land. Now, at the age of 20, he operates under the name Boomkwekerij M. Peterse, supplying more than 50 varieties of one- and two-year-old whips, ranging in size from 1 meter to 8-10/10-12, to nurseries in the Opheusden area and exporting to France. “I’m attending GrootGroenPlus to expand my customer base abroad.” Every year, Boomkwekerij M. Peterse broadens its assortment with new varieties, often in response to market demand. Maurice works mostly alone and relies on help from family and friends during busy periods. “Finding people is difficult. Tying up after budding is a great summer job, but it’s hard to find workers.”

“As a tree grower, you work with nature, and that can be challenging, especially during periods of heavy rainfall like this spring. For example, when the water board can’t manage, and the ditches fill up with water. We do what we can: keeping the ditches clean, installing and maintaining drainage, and ensuring the soil structure remains open so water can seep away. Developments like mechanical weeders with sensors and automation for administrative tasks are certainly interesting, but for me, they’re not yet cost-effective.”

Grass paths keep trails accessible

Mabo Boomkwekerijen manages 30 hectares of standard trees in open ground and offers an assortment of approximately 50 varieties. The company employs 15 people. Niels Mauritz acknowledges the labour shortages in the industry but hasn’t faced significant challenges himself. “We experience little to no turnover and are grateful for our loyal team of colleagues. The workload in our company is evenly distributed and diverse throughout the year due to our range of activities.”

 In recent years, the grower from Randwijk has invested in more environmentally friendly cultivation methods. Grass paths and flower strips have been introduced. “Thanks to the grass, the paths remain accessible during wet periods, and drainage is improved because the soil structure stays more open. After last season’s heavy rains, we noticed that the demand for climate trees has decreased significantly. Instead, there are plenty of species that can withstand both heat and excess moisture, such as Acer campestre. These are actually better climate trees for our conditions. Still, a wide assortment is essential to meet the needs of landscapers or designers.”

Mabo Boomkwekerijen has also invested in machinery that allows grass to be mowed while simultaneously applying organic fertiliser to the trees. “Organic products are a bit more expensive, but since we can do it in one operation, it balances out.” In the Opheusden region, water availability has never been an issue. However, space can pose a challenge for those looking to expand.

Bie Boom is on the way to PlanetProof

Boomkwekerij Bie Boom BV from Zundert spans approximately 40 hectares. In addition to standard trees, the nursery also cultivates forest and hedge plants. The nursery supplies private customers and creates planting lists for landscaping companies. Traders also purchase from Bie Boom. All standard trees are grown in open ground and are available year-round. While some trees remain in the Netherlands, 80% of exports are destined for Belgium, with additional exports to Germany and Poland. “We offer a broad, standard trade assortment,” explains Henk de Bie. “What we don’t grow ourselves, we mainly source from the Opheusden region. We engage in mutual trade; they provide forest and hedge plants, and I supply trees. We also operate our own hub for a nursery from Opheusden, where plants are delivered and collected daily.” Sustainability is a core value in all aspects of the business. Grass is planted between the tree rows, improving water retention and maintaining higher humidity levels between the trees. Bie Boom reuses its waste materials and employs geothermal energy, battery-powered machines, and solar panels. “We strive to grow as sustainably and CO2-neutrally as possible,” says Henk. “Fertilisation is organic, and pest control is carried out as biologically as possible. For about ten years, we’ve held the ‘On the way to PlanetProof’ certification, which upholds high standards. I anticipate that more companies will need to adopt such practices as water boards and municipalities continue to impose stricter requirements. The most important thing is that we grow good, affordable trees-and we do so sustainably.” The nursery from Zundert is always looking for employees. “We can always use more hands. Until about five years ago, you could always find someone. That’s changed significantly,” notes Henk. “It’s a shame because we have a fantastic trade.” The tight labour market is one of the reasons why the nursery plans to digitise its tree counting and measurement processes in the near future.

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus: Corianne Oudijk, treasurer

“ Approximately 14% of the (international) participants at GGP also cultivate standard trees, making it an important and well-represented product group at GrootGroenPlus.”