FORBO Bed Lifting Machine

An addition to the nursery in 2007 the fobro lifting machine enables whole field beds to be lifted in one pass and transferred to a box to be transported for grading.

LANNEN Automated Planting Machine

In 2008 Christie-Elite invested in a specifically designed automated planting system manufactured in Scandinavia by Lannen. The machine transplants, or lines out, five rows of seedlings at a time - up to 200,000 per day.

Seedlings for the Lannen system are produced in the same way as cell grown plants but in specialised micro plug trays. When the plants are big enough to be transplanted, trays of seedlings are fed into the machine and the plant miniplugs are mechanically extracted and lined out into the field to grow on.

The Lannen system combines the best elements of our two production streams; initial seedling development which can be carefully controlled in the tunnels leading to a very uniform, fast establishing plant which is then allowed to grow on outside to develop a superior root structure, to eventually be offered for sale as a bare-root transplant.

Around 1 million 'Elite' sitka microplugs are currently produced each year and it is hoped that over time we will be able to apply the system a wider range species.

If you would like further information on the Lannen system please contact
matt@christie-elite.co.uk

Electrodyn Sprayer

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the range of products and services available to our customers, Christie Elite has acquired an Electrodyn sprayer which has been installed in our new shed in Forres.

Plants intended for restocking sites and at risk of weevil attack can be treated at the nursery with a specially formulated insecticide by placing them on a conveyer which passes through an electrostatically charged chamber which ensures optimal coverage of susceptible tissues.

Treated plants will offer protection from Hylobius for several months, giving peace of mind to busy forest managers.

Protective clothing will of course be required by planting contractors and it is recommended that tree bags are opened one hour prior to planting to allow condensation to disperse.

Please ask for a quotation for this service. The price will vary according to size of plants and quantity treated.