Our Roots

Family Run from the foothills of the Mournes

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Located just outside Rathfriland, Co. Down, Papervale Trees was founded in 2015 by Jonathan and Diane.  ​Situated on the historic site of a former Paper Mill, the nursery draws its name and inspiration from this local landmark - rooted in community and tradition.

From the outset, Papervale's mission has been clear:
"To provide a wide range of quality home-grown trees using sustainable, forward-thinking methods." 
Jonathan, a graduate in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, and Diane with a background in Business & IT, share a deep commitment to growing trees with integrity and purpose.  Their complimentary skills and shared passion for horticulture shape every part of the nursery's ethos and operations.

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"We firmly believe that there is a need for the continuation of plant production, as the skill of tree growing and nursery stock production is in decline."           
​Jonathan Jackson

Growth

Grown with purpose

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As our nursery has grown, so too have our growing capabilities. Originally focused on container-grown trees,
we have since expanded into producing our own field-grown stock. This allows us to offer even more variety and flexibility to our customers. 

Container Grown
​Container-grown trees remain a core part of our offering and are available all year round with no seasonal planting constraints—ideal for modern landscaping schedules.

Field Grown
Our field-grown trees are supplied bare-root and are available for planting during the dormant season, typically between November and March. 

This dual approach enables us to meet the needs of every project, large or small, with trees that are strong, healthy, and ready to thrive.

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Built on Innovation and Sustainability

From the beginning, we've embraced sustainable practices that support healthy tree growth and protect the environment.  Peat-free from the start, Papervale Trees is committed to responsible nursery management that blends innovation with care for the land.

We use custom-designed slotted pots that encourage natural root development by air-pruning roots, reducing circling and transplant shock - resulting in stronger, healthier trees.  Our integrated pest management (IPM) approach reduces reliance on chemical sprays by using biological controls and targeted interventions, creating a more balanced and resilient nursery ecosystem.

We also prioritise efficient water use, recycling and monitoring water across our growing systems to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.  Combined with natural weed suppression methods and a low-input, soil-conscious approach to field growing, our practices are designed to protect biodiversity and promote long-term soil health.

At Papervale, innovation is never at the expense of tradition - it's how we honour our values of quality, community and sustainability.

Looking Forward

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At Papervale, our story is still being written - and every tree we grow is part of that unfolding legacy.  As we continue to evolve, we remain grounded in the values that shaped our beginnings: quality, community and environmental care.
We're constantly expanding our range of tree varieties to meet changing landscapes, climate conditions and customer needs.  Innovation is central to our work - from investing in better growing systems to adopting more sustainable techniques - but always with respect for the traditional skills we believe should be passed on to the next generation.
Our vision is long-term: to produce trees that thrive for decades, enrich their environments and support the people who plant them.  Every tree we grow reflects our belief in quality, community, and environmental care. Whether you're planting one tree or hundreds, you're becoming part of a growing legacy and contributing to a greener, healthier future.

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By choosing Papervale, you're not just planting a tree - you're planting purpose, progress and promise.