… it’s in our DNA.
At Overbeek Bomen, we use innovative techniques and combine them with our traditional expertise.
The goal? To grow the best trees in an efficient and sustainable way.
Our innovations have a direct impact. Thanks to improvements in the harvesting process, our capacity is under less strain, making it easier for us to deliver fresh root balls to you more frequently.
At the same time, our team is at the heart of everything we do. Their expertise is indispensable, which is why we design our processes to make the work lighter, smarter, and safer. This isn’t just good for our people; it also enhances the quality and uniformity of our trees. We’re constantly exploring ways to further improve and innovate our cultivation, care, and harvesting practices—focusing on areas where we can truly add value.
Autonomous utility vehicles that perform repetitive tasks
Within our team, we naturally work with a core group of colleagues of whom we are immensely proud. But we also have two special “employees”: Patrick and Megan, our two Aigro 4×4 (wide) utility vehicles. These autonomous machines perform their tasks completely independently, guided by GPS and sensors—day and night.
Because they can continuously perform repetitive, time-consuming tasks, they are ideal for freeing up capacity on the farm and in the field. This gives our specialists time to make a difference in the field. We are also able to mow and hoe our fields more frequently and intensively, which prevents weeds from taking hold and eliminates the need for pesticides. Every morning, our colleague Mark changes the batteries and sets up both tool carriers on the correct plot. At the end of the day, he changes the batteries again and assigns the next task via the special app on his phone. Patrick and Megan then carry out these tasks in the evening and at night.
The result: greater continuity, less manual, repetitive work, and a more efficient use of our staff. An innovation that truly benefits us in practice.
Efficient pruning whilst maintaining precision
At the start of the growing season, we prune our trees using a remote-controlled tracked machine. Thanks to a maximum pruning height of 10 metres, the specialist can prune large numbers of trees in a short space of time using this machine. This eliminates a great deal of repetitive work and ensures a consistent result.
During this mechanised pruning, we shape a neat, pyramidal crown structure. This shape is essential: it encourages even crown development and ensures that every tree develops the same high-quality structure. This results in a batch of trees of exceptionally uniform quality. As we take photographs of a few trees from each batch at the start of the season, this consistent crown structure allows you to purchase ‘blind’ based on the images. You know exactly what you’re getting: the same shape, the same quality, the same growth potential.
After machine pruning, our colleagues carefully inspect every tree. Where necessary, manual adjustments are made to ensure we always meet our own quality standards.
Naturally, the use of this machine requires extensive knowledge of trees and plants and can only be carried out by a specialist in the field.
In this way, we combine the speed of modern technology with the craftsmanship of our staff.
Working quickly and maneuverable ahead of the lifting team
As mentioned above, we generally use the DTM Crown Binder to tie up trees; this is a compact and powerful machine that is attached to an articulated loader. This combination is fast, manoeuvrable and easy to deploy across different plots. With the expansion of this tying unit, we now have a solution for tying trees ranging in size from 14–16 cm to 25–30 cm, as well as for the majority of our multi-stemmed trees.
Because the machine operates so flexibly and smoothly, we can easily send it out ahead of the lifting team. This means the trees are already neatly and tightly tied and ready when lifting begins. This not only speeds up the lifting process but, above all, makes it more organized and consistent.
By preparing the work with the DTM crown binder, we save time, reduce physical strain and ensure the quality of the bound material remains consistently high. A practical innovation that increases the pace of work without compromising on care.
Whilst our large, remote-controlled binding unit on caterpillar tracks is ideal for the heaviest trees and the really large multi-stemmed ones, the DTM crown binder now provides us with a compact, versatile and efficient solution for the majority of the trees we process.
Together, these systems ensure speed, consistency and safe working practices throughout the harvesting season.
Safe and efficient tree relocation. Greater grip, greater control, less strain
To move trees at our nursery, we use the BCM Tree Clamp from Bresser Constructie & Mechanisatie. This robust, hydraulically operated clamp gives us maximum control whilst lifting, moving and positioning trees.
Because the trunk is held firmly and evenly, we can handle trees safely without damaging the bark or root collar. This makes the clamp an ideal tool for moving larger trees or for work where precision is key.
A key benefit for our way of working is that an increasing number of our machines in the field and at the loading yard are equipped with this clamp. As a result, our staff can carry out a great deal of work independently from a dry, warm and comfortable cab, maintaining consistent quality and high safety standards, regardless of the conditions outside.
The tree clamp not only saves time but also reduces physical strain. Our colleagues can move trees more quickly and easily, whilst at the same time ensuring the quality of every tree.
A practical innovation that takes both efficiency and safety to the next level. Technology combined with the expertise of our staff.
Smart, efficient and precise weed management
On plots where our AIgro implement carrier is not yet in operation, we hoe the strips between our trees using the DVO narrow-gauge hoeing machine from DVO Engineering. This compact and manoeuvrable machine has been specially developed for working in narrow rows, enabling us to work efficiently even on densely planted plots. Combined with a GPS-guided narrow-track tractor, this enables us to work the plots at a respectable speed. Thanks to the precision of the hoeing system, weeds are removed quickly and reliably, without any risk of damaging the trees. This saves a great deal of labour at a time when every hour of work counts. Moreover, thanks to the narrow-track chassis, the soil structure remains as intact as possible, which is a key benefit for healthy growth.
With this machine, our colleagues can tackle large areas in a short space of time, whilst maintaining a high standard of quality and consistency in the work carried out. Partly as a result of this, we are able to hoe our fields more frequently and intensively, ensuring that weeds don’t stand a chance and making the use of herbicides unnecessary.
A practical innovation that helps to carry out cultivation work efficiently, accurately and in a way that is fit for the future.
Smarter planting for future-proof cultivation
Our new trees are planted using a GPS-guided planting machine that operates with great precision. A GPS computer places a marker in the sand at exactly the right spot, ensuring that the rootstock is always positioned optimally.
Before planting, we apply mycorrhiza to the roots: a beneficial fungus that stimulates root development and improves soil health. After planting, the roots are carefully covered and a colleague manually checks each tree to ensure it is correctly positioned, secure and at the correct depth.
This GPS technology also lays the foundations for the future: because every tree is positioned exactly in the same spot, our autonomous machines will later be able to mow, hoe and carry out maintenance fully automatically.
To maintain optimal soil quality, we use water-level-controlled drainage on almost all our plots. The drainage pipes are installed in the ground at six-metre intervals. This system enables us to precisely regulate the water level in the soil, which is essential for the stability of the soil structure and for preventing both drought and waterlogging. By optimising water management in this way, we support a healthy growing environment for our crops. The major advantage of this system over reel irrigation is that we can maintain a consistent water level and retain more rainwater in the soil. This ensures that the trees can always absorb moisture through capillary action, even during dry periods.
Furthermore, level-controlled drainage keeps the topsoil loose and dry, so we can still hoe effectively. Another advantage of the system is that we can plant on time in the spring: to do this, we allow a little more water to drain from the soil after winter. After planting, we raise the water level pipe again. Thanks to level-controlled drainage, we use water efficiently for our trees.
All in all, the system contributes to the quality of the trees and the reliability of our deliveries. This means you can count on consistent deliveries, regardless of the weather conditions.
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