• Since 1994
  • 200+ hectares
  • Exclusive trees and hedges for special gardens
  • Since 1994
  • 200+ hectares
  • Exclusive trees and hedges for special gardens
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Sustainability & Biodiversity

For us as tree growers, sustainability and biodiversity are important issues. We are visibly making the world a lot greener, but how is sustainability woven into our business processes? Our aim is to promote a balanced and resilient environment so that our plants can grow and flourish naturally. Read along to see how we approach this.

More on sustainability

Control method

Natural pesticides on the nursery

At Smits Arboriculture, we strive to reduce the use of chemical pesticides as much as possible. Naturally, we comply with the applicable laws and regulations in this area, but we like to go a step further. We are committed to accelerating this process by implementing natural solutions. For instance, we sow flower mixtures, which we use to naturally combat diseases and pests. Moreover, these flowers promote biodiversity on and around the nursery. We are also currently cultivating mixed hedging elements (think Hawthorn and Blackthorn). Indeed, these species - on top of our existing range of hedging plants - make a positive contribution to biodiversity. Both at the nursery and in the end customer's garden.

Water

Sufficient water without wasting thanks to latest technology

At our nursery, healthy soil is a crucial factor. For both our own cultivation and the conservation of nature. Healthy soil must always have access to sufficient water. That is why we have set up our plots with level-controlled drainage. This allows us to retain water longer and control its release. This approach contributes to the quality of our plants, reduces water consumption and supports the environment. It also reduces CO2 emissions, as we need to drive around significantly less with tractors. Moreover, we collect rainwater in large basins, which are used to water the container field and our tree park.

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Taking care of the soil

To maintain healthy soil, we give the soil a year's rest after each crop. During this period, we sow green manure crops, restoring the soil naturally. This ensures that our soil remains healthy and fertile for future crops.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions on sustainability and biodiversity

Working sustainably and being mindful of biodiversity often raises questions. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about how we work on this at Smits Nursery on a daily basis.
For Smits, sustainability means treating nature, soil and water responsibly. We strive for a balanced and resilient environment in which trees and hedges can grow naturally. We do this by making conscious choices in cultivation, water management and biodiversity.
We try to reduce the use of chemicals as much as possible. Where possible, we work with natural solutions, such as sowing flower mixtures that help control diseases and pests naturally. Of course, we always comply with applicable laws and regulations.
High biodiversity ensures a healthier ecosystem on and around the nursery. By using flower mixtures and mixed hedging elements, such as Hawthorn and Blackthorn, we encourage natural balance. This benefits not only the nursery, but also the end customer's garden.
Water is essential for healthy cultivation. That is why we work with level-controlled drainage, which allows us to retain water longer and release it in a controlled way. We also collect rainwater in large basins, which is used for the container field and the tree park.
After each crop, we give the soil a year's rest. During this period, we sow green manures so that the soil can recover naturally. This keeps the soil fertile and suitable for future crops.
By using water and soil more intelligently, we need to take tractors onto the land less often. This reduces fuel consumption and thus CO₂ emissions. This is how we combine efficient cultivation with attention to the environment.