Tape4Trees: revolutionising tree production for Scotland and the world
At a glance
The problem
How can technology help us make better use of Scotland’s valuable tree seed supply?
The solution
Tape4Trees uses advanced technology to mechanically plant seedlings that have been germinated in special cells joined in a continuous ribbon of tape.
Challenge Sponsor
Forestry & Land Scotland
Company website
Forests have a problem
It’s impossible to ignore the crises we’re facing. The climate emergency, faltering biodiversity, housing shortages and health problems affect everyone.”
Strangely enough, trees can help with all of these — storing carbon, supporting ecosystems, supplying sustainable construction materials, cooling cities, improving air quality, and offering spaces that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
But growing trees at scale is challenging. Even under controlled conditions germination and early growth come with high failure rates. Traditional approaches are labour‑intensive, inefficient, and no longer fit for purpose. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), custodians of Scotland’s precious seed bank, knew the system was unsustainable. Scotland’s forestry future was at risk and it needed a bold, systemic rethink.
Enter CivTech
In 2019, FLS turned to CivTech with a Challenge: how could they dramatically improve the germination and survival rates of tree seedlings?
Tape4Trees was born — a breakthrough adaptation of technology originally designed for vegetable cultivation on biodegradable tape, re‑engineered to carry much larger tree seeds.
The results were more dramatic than FLS even dared hope for…
Germination rates went through the roof — from 30% to more than 75% for most species, and over 90% in some cases. Survival rates rose significantly. Within 18 months, FLS saved more than £1 million, productivity increased by over 2000%, and a world record was broken: from planting 60,000 seedlings a day with five people to more than a million with just four.
And it transformed not just national tree production, but the very business model FLS operates by…
Building the most advanced tree nursery in the world
Success gave FLS the confidence to think bigger. With £26 million of Scottish Government investment, they built the world’s most advanced tree nursery, centred on the Tape4Trees system. Opened in 2025, the Newton glasshouse integrates sophisticated technologies that position Scotland as a global leader in tree production. Capacity has expanded from 5 million to over 26 million trees per year.
A partnership delivering global impact
What began as a single Challenge in 2019 became a six‑year journey defined by trust, shared ambition and resilience. The collaboration between FLS, Tape4Trees and CivTech has revolutionised Scottish forestry — and interest is now coming from across the UK, Europe and beyond.
The lessons learnt
Innovation isn’t just digital. It can emerge from any field and is often rooted in deep creativity, collaboration and human ingenuity.
Real innovation is rarely linear. The Newton glasshouse represents years of experimentation, setbacks and perseverance — enabled by shared ownership and trust.
Success takes time. It took six years from defining the problem to opening the glasshouse. The seedlings now growing in the Newton glasshouse will become saplings, then young trees, and eventually — long after today’s innovators are gone — they will stand across Scotland as mature forests. The impact will last for generations.
“Newton is more than a tree nursery, and utterly impressive though it is, it’s also a hub of innovation and a great example of the benefits that come from government and industry working closely together in collaboration and approach.”
John Swinney
Frist Minister of Scotland
“It used to take us all summer to plant out the trees we wanted, so the ones that were going into the ground at the beginning of the summer were noticeably bigger than the ones going in at the end. Now that we can plant a million a day, we can keep the uniformity of the product right from germination, through to planting and every stage before sending it to customers.”
Josh Roberts
FLS Innovation Manager
“This CivTech Challenge demonstrates how public sector ambition, creative talent, and innovative problem-solving can come together to produce world-leading outcomes. Tape4Trees has transformed the way Scotland grows its future forests - proving that when the right minds meet the right challenge, the results can reshape not just an entire sector, but the world. And in these troubled times, that’s something worth going for.”
Mark Elliott
CivTech
About the company
Tape4Trees is backed by Oakover Nurseries, which brings over 40 years of expertise in tree and shrub cultivation. Following the success of the FLS Challenge, the company established a base near the Newton glasshouse in Scotland. Interest in its technology now spans the UK, Europe and the wider world.
Benefits
Dramatically improved germination rates
Significant increases in survival rates
Greater uniformity and quality throughout the growing cycle
Substantial cost efficiencies
A major contribution to Scotland’s climate commitments
Reduced reliance on chemicals and fertiliser through improved system efficiency
