Welcome to Ellenby Tree Farm
The legacy of Ellenby Tree Farm | Mastering farm management | The processes propagation & potting | Battle of the species: Native vs Exotic | Guide to choosing & ordering your perfect tree | Why choosing industry-registered nurseries matters | Quality stock | Trends for trees in landscape design | Popular species and sizes | Site preparation and tree care
ELLENBY • RETAIL | TRADE | WHOLESALE
Ellenby | UWA School of Design Landscape Architecture Students
Plant the Future: Uncover the Secrets of Successful Tree Cultivation
Discover the inner workings of our large-scale production nursery, from tree cultivation and care to dispatch.
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The legacy of
Ellenby Tree Farm
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Ellenby Tree Farm, founded in 1982 by horticulturists Dave and Sue Woodroffe, specialise in providing high-quality, mature trees for residential and commercial landscaping needs.
Frustrated by the lack of mature trees in traditional nurseries, Ellenby Tree Farm focuses on growing and nurturing trees to an advanced size and maturity before sale and installation.
Now under the leadership of the next generation, Shane, Craig, and Ric Woodroffe, Ellenby Tree Farm has become a leading supplier of premium trees in Perth and across the broader Australian market.
Whether you need mature trees for your garden, commercial landscape, or any other project, Ellenby Tree Farm offers the best selection in quality and size.
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Ellenby Tree Farm’s strong reputation is built on supplying high-quality trees to both local and national landscape architects, developers, council's, and urban planners.
Its experience and diverse stock have made it a preferred partner for public and private projects across Perth and beyond.
The farm's alignment with global landscaping trends ensures a sustainable and climate-resilient approach to landscape design.
Mastering farm management
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A focus on sustainable practices, water-efficient irrigation systems, and responsible fertiliser use.
The nursery is divided into sections based on tree maturity, type, and specific care needs.
Daily operations are overseen by a team of experienced horticulturists, ensuring that all stock is maintained to the highest standards.
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With over 30 years of experience each, the three directors Shane, Craig and Ric Woodroffe guide the business towards innovation while maintaining long-held family values of integrity, quality, and customer service.
The processes propagation & potting
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Seeds and cuttings are carefully selected for propagation to ensure genetic strength and diversity. The farm uses both traditional and modern propagation techniques, including grafting for certain species to guarantee consistent growth.
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Ellenby Tree Farm utilises the Rootmaker and Root Builder Pot Systems, which are designed to promote a fibrous and dense root system, essential for long-term tree health. The unique features of these pot systems encourage air pruning and guided root growth to prevent root circling and encourages them to branch out, creating a more fibrous and robust root structure. The fibrous root system allows for better nutrient absorption, water uptake, and overall plant vigour.
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Trees are repotted at various stages of growth to ensure optimal root development. This process ultimately contributes to the production of healthier trees that are more resilient in both the nursery and when transplanted into their permanent locations.
Battle of the species: Native vs Exotic
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With both endemic West Australian and Australian species available, native trees are adapted to our unique Australian climate and soil conditions. Local species such as Eucalyptus and Melaleuca are drought-tolerant and attract native wildlife, making them ideal for ecological restoration and sustainable landscaping.
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These are chosen for aesthetic qualities, shade provision, or specific landscape design requirements.
However, they may require more water and maintenance, making careful selection crucial based on the environment.
Guide to
choosing & ordering your perfect tree
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Customers can visit the nursery or consult with Ellenby’s experts to select species that meet their project’s needs. The farm provides guidance on species suitability based on the site’s conditions (soil type, climate, etc.).
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Once the tree selection is complete, clients can place orders either through our website or directly with our sales team.
Ellenby Tree Farm provides delivery and planting services, along with expert guidance for planting and aftercare to ensure long-term success.
From quoting to ordering to dispatch, our process is designed to be efficient and customer-focused, with strong communication and support from our dedicated Sales and Dispatch teams.
Why choosing
industry-registered nurseries matters
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Ellenby Tree Farm is registered with industry bodies such as NIASA (Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia).
This guarantees that all stock is grown to strict health standards, ensuring disease-free trees and robust growth.
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Working with registered nurseries minimises risks of pests, diseases, and inferior quality stock, all of which can severely impact the success of landscape projects.
Quality stock
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Healthy trees have strong, well-formed root systems, straight and sturdy trunks, and vibrant leaves with no signs of pests or disease.
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Trees with stunted growth, discoloured leaves, or signs of root circling indicate potential issues. Such trees may struggle to establish themselves once planted and can lead to costly replacements.
Trends for trees in landscape design
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Demand for Smaller Trees: As urbanisation increases, there is a growing demand for smaller trees that are well-suited to compact properties. These species fit perfectly into modern residential landscapes where space is limited, providing greenery without overwhelming small gardens.
Screening and Privacy: There is an increasing need for trees that can be used for screening and privacy purposes. Homeowners and developers are seeking species that form natural barriers, adding both functionality and beauty to outdoor spaces.
Climate-Resilient and Low-Maintenance Species: Urban greening projects continue to prioritise trees that can withstand harsh conditions, including heat and drought. Trees that require minimal water and maintenance are highly valued, particularly in urban environments where resources may be constrained.
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Drought Tolerant Species: As climate change intensifies, we expect a shift towards heat and drought-tolerant species, as well as greater emphasis on native trees to support biodiversity and ecological sustainability in urban areas.
Social Retreat: Gardens, both at home and in community spaces, are increasingly becoming places where people seek to connect with nature and each other. Trees play a key role in creating serene environments for relaxation and social gatherings.
Lived-In Gardens: Mature trees are becoming highly sought after for their ability to give gardens a well-established, lived-in feel. These trees not only enhance the aesthetic value of a landscape but also add significant financial value to properties.
Living Fences: Moving beyond traditional hedges, living fences are gaining popularity for creating privacy while also adding biodiversity to landscapes. These natural borders support wildlife, contribute to ecosystem health, and bring texture and seasonal interest to outdoor spaces.
Foragers: The foraging trend is expanding beyond edible plants to include cut flowers, as people are increasingly drawn to foraging for personal and unique floral arrangements. This reflects a growing desire to create personalised, sustainable beauty within their landscapes.
Popular species
and sizes
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Smaller Eucalyptus, Ornamental Pears and Plums, and Olive trees are favourites among residential and commercial clients due to their aesthetic appeal and resilience.
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Lagerstroemia Crepe Mrytles, Brachychitons and Malus Crabapples are some of Ellenby’s top picks.
Site preparation
and tree care
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Ensure the soil is well-drained and suitable for the selected tree species. If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.
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The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the tree's root system. This allows roots to spread and establish easily.
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Set up a reliable irrigation system or ensure manual watering will be sufficient. Trees need consistent water during the establishment phase.
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Inadequate soil preparation, improper planting depth, and poor irrigation setup are common mistakes. These can lead to tree stress, poor root establishment, and eventual failure.
Site Preparation
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Water deeply but infrequently, encouraging roots to grow downwards. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, or underwatering, which can stress the tree.
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Apply mulch around the base of the tree, leaving space around the trunk to prevent rot. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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Regular pruning ensures healthy growth and shape, but avoid excessive pruning, especially in young trees, to maintain their energy for root establishment.
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Regularly inspect trees for signs of pests or disease, and treat them early to prevent serious damage.
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Over- or under-watering, improper mulching, and lack of pest management can compromise the health of trees. Ellenby Tree Farm offers aftercare advice to ensure trees thrive long after planting.
