Since 1972, Uxbridge Nurseries has been rooted in one mission: growing exceptional, large-caliper field-grown trees for the landscape and horticulture industry across Ontario and the GTA.
But what actually goes into growing a tree from a young sapling into a strong, landscape-ready specimen?
In this behind-the-scenes look, we’re sharing how our trees grow across our six farms, what makes our soil unique, and why landscapers and contractors trust our quality year after year.
🍂 1. It All Begins With the Soil
Great trees start from the ground up.
At Uxbridge Nurseries, our farms sit on a mix of nutrient-rich loam and sandy loam soils, ideal for both root expansion and water drainage. These soils allow trees to:
- Develop a deep, healthy root system
- Grow straight, sturdy trunks
- Establish quickly when transplanted
- Handle Ontario’s seasonal temperature swings
We monitor soil conditions throughout the year to ensure consistent moisture and nutrient balance—no shortcuts.
🌱 2. Selecting High-Quality Young Stock
We carefully choose young trees based on:
- Proven hardiness in Ontario’s climate
- Strong central leaders
- Disease resistance
- Predictable growth habits
- Structure suitable for mature landscapes
Each species is planted with plenty of spacing so roots naturally expand without stress.
🌞 3. Growing in the Open Field: Nature + Expertise
Unlike pot-grown trees, field-grown trees develop stronger, more anchored root systems.
Our open-field growing process includes:
✔ Full sun exposure
Promotes uniform canopy development.
✔ Regular cultivation
Keeps soil loose and allows roots to breathe naturally.
✔ Strategic pruning
We prune for shape, height, and structure—resulting in straight leaders and balanced branches.
✔ Spacing for maturity
Trees are spaced to avoid crowding, ensuring strong caliper growth.
This process takes several years, but the result is unmatched strength and quality.
🛠️ 4. Our Digging Process: Ball & Burlap (B&B) Excellence
When a tree reaches saleable size, it is dug using professional tree spades that remove the tree with an intact root ball.
Ball & Burlap (B&B) ensures:
- Maximum root preservation
- Minimal transplant shock
- Stable handling and transport
Root balls are tied securely using high-grade burlap and wire baskets according to industry standards.
🚛 5. From Field → Yard → Customer
After digging, trees move to our main yard, where they are organized by:
- Species
- Caliper
- Size
- Order status
- Pickup or delivery schedule
This ensures landscapers, municipalities, and contractors can select the exact tree size they need with confidence.
We also offer direct farm-to-site delivery, saving time during busy project seasons.
🌲 6. Why Field-Grown Trees Stand Out
Field-grown trees offer many advantages over container-grown alternatives:
- Stronger trunks & roots
- Better wind resistance
- Larger caliper options (2” to 6”+)
- Natural outdoor conditioning
- Higher survival rate after transplanting
This makes them the preferred choice for:
- City boulevards
- Commercial landscaping
- Estate properties
- Park and municipal projects
- Long-term, durable plantings
🌿 7. A Family Tradition of Growing Since 1972
The Worsley family has built Uxbridge Nurseries on:
- Hard work
- Deep agricultural knowledge
- A commitment to wholesale quality
- Honest, reliable service
Over the years, we’ve grown into one of the GTA’s trusted leaders in field-grown nursery stock—all while staying family-operated.
💬 Final Thoughts
Growing a field-grown tree isn’t fast. It takes years of careful tending, pruning, digging, and experience.
But when you drive by a boulevard lined with strong maples or a park filled with sturdy evergreens, you’re seeing the result of that commitment.
At Uxbridge Nurseries, we’re proud to grow the trees that shade, beautify, and strengthen landscapes across Ontario.
