Oz Trees
Oz Trees is a small, family-operated nursery located 12 km northeast of Colac, in the farming district of Irrewarra, Victoria. Established in 1994 by Mark and Denise Prascevic, the business has evolved from a dedicated farm tree nursery producing over 100,000 trees and shrubs per year into a diversified operation serving niche markets across the nursery, landscaping, and revegetation sectors.
Today, Oz Trees grows approximately 300 varieties of Australian native plants, with a strong focus on producing high-quality stock that delivers long-term environmental benefits. Their range includes cell tray seedlings and 140 mm potted plants, with particular attention to developing strong, straight root systems—an approach that requires more time and care but ensures superior plant performance.
Collaboration with Urbinati Australia
“To support this commitment to quality while maintaining efficiency, we partnered with Urbinati Australia. Their equipment has been instrumental in helping us balance productivity with precision.
Tray Filling and Potting Line
Our tray filling and potting line is the most reliable machinery we have installed in our time in the industry.
With minimal adjustments required during operation, even across different tray types and plant species, it has significantly improved production consistency. The simplicity of operation, combined with disciplined procedures and regular annual maintenance from Urbinati, has ensured long-term reliability and performance.
Initially, as with many new installations, we experienced some challenges. However, with Urbinati’s support, we were able to refine our processes, move away from old habits, and optimize the equipment within its operating “sweet spot.” Since then, the system has performed exceptionally well.
Irrigation Innovation
More recently, we invested in two high-tech IRMOEX boom irrigators from Urbinati, covering our entire outdoor growing area. Operating in the harsh conditions of southwestern Victoria’s basalt plains, where extreme wind, cold, and heat are common, our previous fixed irrigation system was both labor-intensive and inefficient.
The decision to upgrade was driven as much by lifestyle considerations as by operational efficiency. The stress associated with summer watering, chemical exposure, and the pressure on staff to maintain plant health in challenging conditions led us to seek a better solution.
Results Achieved
Since installing the new irrigation system, the results have exceeded expectations. We have achieved:
- A 36% reduction in water usage
- A 90% reduction in edge-watering labor
- Reallocation of 26–30 staff hours per week during warmer months
- Significant improvements in plant health, growth, and uniformity
Watering that previously took 90 minutes across the nursery is now completed in just 15 minutes. This efficiency not only saves time but also allows for better water management, reducing overwatering and improving overall plant performance.
Workplace Safety and Additional Benefits
The system has also improved workplace safety. Previously, spray and fertilizer applications required 4–12 hours of manual work, exposing operators to chemicals. With Urbinati’s automated boom system, these tasks can now be completed safely and efficiently, often without requiring staff presence in the nursery.
Additional benefits include reduced weed growth due to less water overspray, improved yard conditions, and more consistent irrigation across all growing areas. Features such as targeted edge watering allow us to fine-tune conditions for plants exposed to harsher elements.
Future Developments
We are currently working with Urbinati Australia to further enhance our production systems and continue improving efficiency and quality. Their technology-driven approach helps address many of the challenges typical of a labor-intensive industry.
At Oz Trees, we are committed to continuous improvement and, with the support of Urbinati Australia, we are confident in our ability to deliver high-quality plants while improving productivity, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability.”
