🌱 Growing Greener: Our Sustainability Commitment
At Ballarat Advanced Tree Nursery, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do — from how we grow and irrigate our trees to how we build, deliver, and compost. Every decision is guided by our commitment to reduce waste, conserve resources, support the local environment, provide local jobs, and contribute to a greener future for Ballarat and beyond.
See some of the ways we are making a difference...
Recycled Materials & Composting • Our pots are made in Melbourne using at least 80% recycled plastic, supporting local jobs and reducing waste. • We recycle all cardboard, paper, leaves, and green waste into compost, which we use to enrich the nursery gardens. • Our chickens provide eggs for the shop and a constant supply of manure for composting. • Our shop building was constructed using recycled hardwood, steel, and packing materials, including timbers salvaged from an old horse stable on our farm. • We re-use pots wherever possible, offering a $2 credit for returned large pots — giving them a second life with no manufacturing required. • Our tree clips, used to secure trees in rows, are custom-made in Buninyong using recycled plastic and 3D printing, eliminating thousands of single-use cable ties. Over 15,000 clips are currently in use. 🌿 Reducing landfill, closing the loop, and creating nutrient-rich soil.
Solar-Powered Operations • Our 28kW solar system generates more power annually than we consume, reducing reliance on the grid. • Irrigation pumps, chargers, and electrical systems are all programmed to prioritise solar energy first. 🌞 Harnessing the power of the sun to grow trees and cut emissions.
Locally Made, Peat-Free Potting Mix • We use a sustainable, peat-free mix made from organic waste at a local pig farm. • This process reduces agricultural waste, avoids damaging peat harvesting, and supports local employment. 🌿 Creating healthy soil while reducing agricultural waste and protecting natural peatlands.
Smarter Transport Solutions • Our team and customers move around the nursery using quiet, emission-free electric carts. • For deliveries, we use a modern Isuzu truck fitted with a diesel particulate filter, reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. 🌿 Lowering our transport emissions — both onsite and on the road.
Water Wise Practices • All trees are watered using individual drippers, providing targeted irrigation with minimal evaporation or waste. • Coir weed mats are used to suppress weeds and reduce sun-drying of pots. • Our nursery is designed with full drainage, allowing all wastewater to be captured, filtered, and reused on-site. • We use the Hydrawise smart irrigation system, which monitors cloud-based weather data and adjusts schedules to avoid overwatering. • Our water is treated using the Hydrosmart water conditioning system, which: Requires no chemicals, no filters, and no maintenance Improves water quality and soil response Reduces fertiliser needs Supports healthier tree growth Eliminates the need for desalination or brine waste 💧 Using technology and nature to make every drop count.
Climate-Smart Planting • We grow advanced trees to provide faster shade, greater carbon absorption, and increased biodiversity. • Our trees are carefully chosen for Ballarat’s tough climate — withstanding hot summers, frost, and seasonal extremes. • 🌳 Plants are part of the solution. Trees help cool cities, absorb carbon, and provide essential habitat for wildlife and pollinators. • We maintain on-site bee hives, which support pollination and local ecology while producing delicious local honey. 🌿 Growing trees that cool, clean, and restore the environment — faster.
Low Impact Infrastructure & Chemical Management • All nursery tree rows and fencing are installed using a machine-driven system — no concrete required. • All nursery roads and paths are made from recycled brick and crushed concrete, processed by a local Ballarat company. • We operate a beneficial insect program to reduce chemical usage. By planting insect-attracting plants and trees, we encourage predator insects to stay onsite and help manage pests naturally. • When spraying is necessary, we: Spot spray rather than blanket-spraying Avoid spraying during pollinator activity (e.g., spray only on cold days when bees aren’t active) Use organic sprays wherever possible 🛠️ Building smarter, cleaner infrastructure — and protecting nature through minimal-impact plant care.