R&D update: Fir real: from 20% to 90% increase in saleable trees with levy-funded support
16 January 2026
16 January 2026
Fir real: from 20% to 90% increase in saleable trees with levy-funded support
To some people looking in on the greenlife sector, the difference between a background in forestry and a background in horticulture is interchangeable when it comes to establishing a nursery.
At least, that’s what Lawrence Ranson was telling himself when he started Spruced Christmas Trees (Spruced) in 2017, armed with a decade’s experience in forestry and a Bachelor’s in Forestry and Plant Ecology, Genetics. For the first couple of years of Spruced, the approach to managing and growing saleable plants was ‘reactionary’.
“We would monitor our seedlings and trees and respond to their needs when they showed visual signs of hunger, for example, rather than anticipating what was needed for sustainable growth,” Lawrence said.
This approach meant that there was a general lack of consistency in Spruced’s products, with under a quarter being saleable at the end of the growing period. Understanding this was unsustainable for growing at scale production, Lawrence looked into joining greenlife industry groups to see what support was available.
“I hadn’t realised how strong the levy model was in Australia. Particularly the support that exists within the nursery sector,” he said.
Through participation in a NGINA (Nursery & Garden Industry, NSW & ACT) event, Lawrence met GIA Extension Officer, Colin Hunt. In a matter of weeks, Colin was on-site offering Spruced a helping hand.
Since accessing this support, Spruced now produces stock where almost 90% are of a saleable consistency and quality - an incredible jump from the previous 20%.
From mentoring, to setting reading homework and simply asking why Spruced were doing things a certain way, Lawrence says that Colin has introduced a ‘best practice’ model to Spruced’s operations that was missing previously.
This best practice procedures include:
- scheduled feeding
- introducing EC and pH levels measurement
- increased plant hygiene
- raised beds and benching for improved drainage
- documenting and formalising treatment procedures
- pest and disease management plans.
“I wish I’d reached out to GIA for extension support sooner, it would’ve saved me time, money, resources, and stress,” Lawrence said.
Entering its eighth year of operation, Spruced is maturing and being approached by big box retailers to supply them with Christmas trees.
A year off from being able to fill their orders, Lawrence sees this as the perfect time to invest in their Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA) certification, to effectively take their operations to the next level.
“NIASA is an industry standard and as we look to sell into some major brands it will amplify our credibility, recognising our commitment to quality, consistent, and beautiful plants,” he said.
Read the full case study.
