Juniper Tree Nursery
J.D. Irving, Limited has been practicing responsible forestry for decades.
We realize it's key to protecting the forest environment for future generations.
Since 1958, we have had an active and progressive tree planting program.
We plant approximately 15 million trees each year on our land and close
to five million on the Crown Land we manage. On our land, that's three trees
for every one harvested!
The seedlings we plant come from our modern Juniper Tree Nursery in
Juniper, New Brunswick. Producing seedlings since 1958, 
Juniper is projected
to surpass the 300 million production mark by 1995. The present seedling
growing facilities at the Nursery consist of the warehouse and office complex
that house an automated multi-pot filling seeding line, the four large free
span quonset shaped greenhouses (approximately 3/4 acre each); the outside
holding/finishing areas; and the handling/shipping equipment. There are
also eight smaller green-houses (total approximately 1/2 acre) that
are used for the production of special crops.
The nursery started out as bareroot (field grown) stock nursery. In 1984, new technology and facilities were added, making Juniper one of the most efficient tree nurseries in North America. Efficiency of this system is based on the handling units. The basic unit is the multi-pot seedling tray, which holds 67 seedlings. A steel pallet holds 60 multi-pot trays, or 4,020 seedlings, which facilitates handling and transportation.
Greenhouses
All seedlings produced at the Nursery are grown from superior seed developed
at our seed orchard at Parkindale, New Brunswick. The seed is mechanically
sown in the 
multi-pot containers which are prefilled with growing
medium The medium is a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite which ensures
adequate aeration and drainage - important to vigorous seedling growth.
Each greenhouse holds 1.8 million seedlings and takes nearly five days to fill. Once inside, the trays are irrigated (watered) and given nutrients (food) in the form of fertilizer in precise amounts. A computer controls conditions in the greenhouse, and provides a continuous data log (information) on the greenhouse environment.
Once seeded, seedlings are closely monitored from the time of germination to shipment with the aid of a computer-based monitoring system. Appropriate greenhouse environments are programmed and maintained with the aid of the computer control system as well.
Holding Area
Two greenhouse crops are produced each year. The first, started in March,
is grown indoors until the end of May. It is then moved outside in preparation
for planting in August and September of the same year. The second crop is
started in June. In October, it is moved to the outside holding area where
it will be maintained until planted in May and June of the following year.
Irrigation and nutrients are applied in the holding area just as they
are in the greenhouses. The holding area has high side walls and a retractable
curtain to protect the seedlings. The retractable curtain can reduce daylight
hours which simulates Fall and prepares the seedlings for Winter. The greatest
hazard is the danger of sudden freezing and desiccation (loss of
moisture) which occurs in the presence of extremely low temperatures and
lack of snow cover for insulation.
For planting, the seedlings are shipped while dormant, on selfloading
trucks which can carry 168,000 seedlings per load. The seedlings are planted
on Company land in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Maine.
Growing and shipping 15 million seedlings annually is a significant challenge. We meet that challenge at Juniper Tree Nursery by scheduling our production to complement our forest management commitment to the principles of sustainable development, responsible harvesting techniques, comprehensive reforestation, and research and development. Our mission is to produce seedlings for planting on our lands to provide a better and more productive forest for future generations.
This brochure is intended to provide information on responsible management within the forest product industries. We would be pleased to hear any questions or comments you may have. Address your inquiries to: Juniper Tree Nursery, PO. Box 150, Juniper, New Brunswick, EOJ IPO,. Or phone (506) 246-5268.