Our Roots — Papervale Trees

Our Story

Family Run from the foothills of the Mournes

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 homegrown 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 complementary skills and shared passion for horticulture shape every part of the nursery's ethos and operations.

Papervale Trees nursery overview with polytunnels in Co. Down

Grown with Purpose

How we grow

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, offering more variety and flexibility to our customers.

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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 and year-round project delivery.

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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 approach produces trees with exceptional root systems suited to large-scale planting projects.

Built on Innovation & Sustainability

Responsible growing from day one

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.

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

Air-pruning pots: Custom-designed slotted pots encourage natural root development, reducing circling and transplant shock for stronger, healthier trees.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Biological controls and targeted interventions reduce reliance on chemical sprays, creating a more balanced nursery ecosystem.

Efficient water use: We recycle and monitor water across our growing systems to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.

Natural weed suppression: Low-input, soil-conscious practices protect biodiversity and promote long-term soil health across our fields.

Peat-free from the start: We committed to peat-free growing media before it became industry standard, sourcing responsibly to protect fragile wetland habitats.

Looking Forward

Our story is still being written

At Papervale, 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.

Get in Touch

300+

Tree Varieties

Grown on-site from parkland and avenue trees to rare and unusual specimens.

2015

Founded

Family-run nursery established in Co. Down, Northern Ireland.

90%

In-House Growing

Trees grown and nurtured on-site with expert care and attention.

UK + Ireland

Delivering

Flexible delivery for trees of every size throughout the UK and Ireland.