Case Study
Buccleuch – Delivering a Large-Scale Planting Project Through the Summer
How Buccleuch worked with Alba Trees to deliver a complex, multi-species planting programme through spring and summer, achieving excellent establishment and low replacement rates despite challenging weather conditions.
About the Client
Buccleuch is one of Scotland’s largest and best known rural enterprises, managing land, farming, forestry, conservation, property, energy and community projects across multiple estates.
Their forestry activity prioritises high quality woodland creation and sustainable management, with a focus on planting schemes that support biodiversity, deliver long term environmental value and respond to the changing climate.
Project Overview
Planting Across Challenging Conditions
Ground preparation began in April, with the first tree delivery arriving on 14 April. Weekly deliveries continued until the end of June, ensuring a steady flow of stock to match planting progress.
Planting paused briefly during May when unseasonably warm temperatures made conditions unsuitable. Work resumed once temperatures stabilised, with one delivery per month during July, August and September.
Why This Project Was Complex
The project involved large conifer blocks, more intricate native broadleaf planting areas, varying terrain and a long, weather dependent planting window. Flexibility, stock resilience and closely managed logistics were essential.
How Alba Trees Helped
Cell-Grown Stock That Enabled Summer Planting
A key reason the project succeeded was the use of Alba’s cell grown trees. These arrived well watered, robust and well rooted, consistent in size and quality and ready to plant immediately.
This meant planting teams could continue working safely and effectively through the summer months, even in warmer periods.
Responsive Ordering and Adaptable Delivery
Alba Trees supported Buccleuch with fast processing of orders, flexibility to adjust quantities depending on progress on the ground and reliable delivery schedules that matched shifting weather windows.
Supporting Successful On-Site Handling
Summer planting requires careful management. Buccleuch found Alba stock allowed teams to lay out trees for only short periods, store stock for up to a week when needed and keep trees well watered and shaded to prevent desiccation.
Outcomes and Impact
Strong Establishment
The site has established very successfully, with low replacement percentages, strong early growth and healthy, evenly developing woodland blocks.
Resilient, Able-to-Plant Stock
The ability to continue planting through the summer reduced delays and helped maintain project momentum.
Efficient Use of Planting Teams
The mix of conifer and native broadleaf areas meant teams could prioritise different parts of the site depending on weather conditions, supported by Alba’s consistent stock supply.
Testimonial
By using Alba container-grown stock, we were able to keep planting through the summer. Trees arrived well watered, well sized and of excellent quality, which supported successful establishment. Orders were processed quickly and adjusted when needed, and the establishment of the site has been very successful with low replacements and good growth rates.
If you are planning a flexible, high quality planting programme, our team can support you from planning to delivery. Contact Alba Trees to discuss your project.
