Celebrating 50 years of Green Mile Trees

This year will see one of UK horticulture’s long-established and respected tree nurseries celebrate its 50th growing season. Nottinghamshire’s Green Mile Trees began as a tree nursery back in 1973 when its founder Anthony Scott turned his hand (and land) from farming to commercial tree growing. Operating from its 70-acre nursery in Retford, Nottinghamshire, the family-run company enters its second half-century with second and third generations at the very heart of the business, its development and its future.

Already a keen grower of trees and plants within his spectacular garden at his home near Retford in North Nottinghamshire, Anthony struck a deal in 1973 with Winchester-based Hillier Nurseries to grow trees commercially and supply the Midlands and more northerly landscape and wholesale trade. The irrigated and sandy soil lent itself perfectly to commercial tree production and complemented the company’s mixed farming business including arable land, pigs, peas and soft fruit growing.

Throughout the seventies and early eighties, the soft fruit enterprise and tree production increased and in 1983, Anthony’s son Chris, who is now Managing Director, joined the business.  Chris brought additional horticultural and commercial expertise to the business and took Green Mile into its next phase.  Developing its field-grown production, the company also became the largest supplier of blueberry plants into commercial production and garden centres. The agreement with Hilliers ended in the early 1990s and Green Mile Trees began evolving into the business you see today.

With over 70 acres of nursery now dedicated to growing field- and containerised trees and plants, Chris’ daughter Xanthe joined in 2015, taking over the day-to-day operations and working alongside Nursery Manager Paul Haste. The nursery gradually expanded to supply not only trees but specimen shrubs, conifers, topiary and instant hedging.

The nursery is recognisable to visitors instantly for its iconic Green Mile beech hedge. The hedge was planted in the 1960s by Anthony and has been trimmed each of the 50 years by the same contractor, Des Sykes.

The business continues to grow, innovate and expand its customer base with Chris, Paul and Xanthe directing operations. Exhibiting this month for the 16th year, Xanthe and the team recently showcased a range of trees and specimen shrubs at Four Oaks Trade Show in Cheshire.

Speaking about reaching the 50 year milestone, Xanthe said:

“Celebrating a half century family business is a very humbling experience. There’s three generations’ history invested in Green Mile Trees, but it’s also thanks to all staff and customers over the years. We have built a very strong and loyal customer base, supplying trees and shrubs into the trade, but also private estates, gardens, landscapes and developers across the region and nationwide. We’re told it’s our friendly and helpful approach that keeps garden enthusiasts returning – and we’re excited for the next 50 years!