Winter 2022 Update

We hope wherever you are in Australia, you are staying warm and dry. Many of our fellow growers in NSW and QLD have been affected by this weather. With rain, comes an increased risk of Root Rot (Phytophthora) this is one of many fungal root pathogens which is spread through water. Whilst pine and spruce tend to be a little more tolerant to rot compared to their Fir counterparts, site planning and preparation can go a long way for tree crop health.

We recently completed work on field drainage and repairs to a dam. On the flip side, the dam renovation provides extra water security for the next dry season. If you are seeing yellowing needles, toppling trees or dieback, especially after prolonged waterlogged soil conditions your trees are likely suffering from root rot. In NSW, the best way to diagnose rot root is to contact your local DPI office and request a sampling kit.

Root rot progresses faster in warmer weather, so act now (winter) to prevent tree losses.

Here is our quick checklist for root rot prevention:

  • Mound tree rows  

  • Favour well-drained soils and avoid heavy clay soils

  • Dig drain trenches/Spoon drains

  • Avoid planting in wet areas e.g. gullies and river flats.

  • Assess soil and root health. A high phosphorus fertiliser can boost root health if found to be deficient in soil (DPI can assist with a soil test).  

  • Avoid irrigating from waterways where runoff from plantations of conifers may have contaminated the water source or filter/treat water if possible.

Work is also underway on our nursery extension – perhaps this is just an excuse for the boys to play with machines? We are making space for a whole new selection of tree varieties from all over the world. Watch this space as they will start to make an appearance on the website soon.

Machines ready to go

Already full after the rain

The majority of the 2022 Pre-Orders have now been shipped. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this busy time.

A special thanks to our LPO, as this season, we beat our personal best for orders shipped in one day as well as filled up the dispatch room.  

Head to our online shop before December 1st 2022 to save 10% on the 2023 winter Pre-Orders.

For many, the winter season is a quiet time, but not for the Spruced team.

Our winter jobs are:

  • Planting tube stock in the field

  • Assessing soil and field tree health

  • Sowing seeds (including some new and exciting varieties such as Grand fir, Korean fir, Oriental spruce, Red spruce, White spruce and Himalayan spruce)

  • Processing seed harvest and testing germination

  • Nursery stocktake

  • Machinery maintenance (including un-bogging)  

  • Road building and improving site access

Did you know

A mixture of egg whites and sand can be used as an effective seedling anti-browsing treatment against pests.

That’s a lot of eggs – luckily we have a lot of chooks on our farm.

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Is there something you are interested in but we don't have? Contact us

Happy growing!

Price changes April 1st 2022

Hello all - we have changed our displayed pricing structure to include GST. We have also had to raise our prices 5% in line with all of our suppliers raising their prices over 10-20% over the past couple of years. We are doing our best to absorb the price rises and keep ours down; but with fertiliser, potting mix, fuel, pots, and machinery prices (to name a few) now rising in excess of 20-50%, we have had to adjust our prices a little too.

First Delivery Round Booked Out!

Hello all,

Our delivery runs for next week are confirmed and booked out for the following dates:

Mudgee: 6th December

Bathurst/Orange/Dubbo: 7th December (possibly running into the 8th)

Blue Mountains/Sydney/Illawarra: 8th-9th December.


Anyone ordering now we will be doing our next delivery runs to Bathurst, Blue Mountains, Sydney and Wollongong the 13-15th

Rainy Day Wreath Making

We went out this morning in the misty rain (that has been quite constant lately) to collect some fresh Spruce and Fir foliage. Then over cake and coffees we set about making wreaths - not as hard as we thought it might be and they came out looking pretty good!

New Releases - Fresh-cut and advanced potted Douglas Firs

This year we're releasing our first crop of mature 5, 6 and 7ft Douglas Fir fresh-cut Christmas trees! We also have advanced potted Douglas firs reaching up to 1.5m (5ft) tall ready for Christmas. Almost 7 years in the making and grown from seed in the upper blue mountains area of NSW. These are the first of our premium range of world renowned Christmas tree varieties. Many other varieties are on their way and we hope to add new ones to our range each year to suit everyone’s tastes!

Douglas Firs on show.jpg
Shaped Douglas Fir Christmas Tree 2021.PNG
Douglas Fir field October 2021.PNG

Trees arriving at last

It looks like the backlog at Aus post is clearing. and trees that have been in limbo are being delivered and still looking healthy, even after 2 weeks in the box in some cases. We will update again soon. In the meantime here’s a photo of Wally who climbed into a box while we were packing trees…

Wally in a box.jpg

Nursery and Tree Farm Hand Positions Open

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/oberon/horticulture/nursery-and-tree-farm-hands/1277947759

We are expanding our nursery and plantation and are looking for help with a wide range of jobs including: Sowing seeds, potting trees, weeding, weed spraying, field preparation, tree planting, irrigation setup, infrastructure construction & general farm prep work for upcoming planting season.

Part-time or temporary full-time casual work for up to 2 people available with the possibility of ongoing casual work for the right person/s. Assist our small team in the field and nursery. Would suit a fit and active person willing to work outdoors in all weather. Work is highly physical involving some heavy lifting - a high level of fitness is critical.

Will need your own car. You must be willing to travel to both farms as required. Farms are located at Black Springs (near Oberon) and Yetholme (near Bathurst).

Previous nursery, horticulture or farm hand experience would be highly regarded. Please email your resume and application to Lawrence on spruced.trees@gmail.com.