Produce tree seedlings in an IGS vertical farm

For commercial forestry and reforestation

Grow in a precision-controlled environment for the highest quality, locally produced tree seedlings with significantly quicker growth cycles.

Small fir tree seedlings growing in a square grid tray in an IGS vertical farm.
Conifer seedlings on a metal growth tray inside of an IGS vertical farm.

The challenges

Faced by tree seedlings producers

Low & uneven germination rates

Significant losses across the industry.

Growth cycles

Long growth cycles due to reliance on seasonal weather.

Disease & pests

Forests are being lost due to disease and pests, such as bark beetle.

Labour costs

Labour costs increasing globally for this labour intensive practice.

Low volume of seedlings

Productivity and extreme weather losses mean a small volume of seedlings reach maturity.

Poor survival rates

Poor survival rates of planted seedlings leads to significant productivity losses.

The advantages

of growing with an IGS vertical farm

Purple crops in IGS growth tower with 7 growth trays in background

Higher germination rates

Controlling every environmental variable enables far higher and more uniform germination rates.

Faster growth cycles

Grow broad leaves 600% faster, and conifers 30% faster.

Biosecurity

Isolated from the outside environment and with no human intervention, seedlings are grown disease and pest free.

Reduced labour costs

IGS Growth Towers’ have integrated automation and minimise human labour costs using commercial off the shelf equipment.

Energy efficient

One of the most energy efficient Vertical Farming system on the market.

Increase volume of seedling production

Being weather and climate independent, IGS Growth Towers enable many more trees to be produced than traditional methods.

Increase survivability

Harden off seedlings preparing them for planting.

IGS x Forestry and Land Scotland

Case Study

Seeking ways to meet their climate and forestry goals, FLS collaborated with IGS to research how controlled indoor environments can optimise seedling growth and maximise survival rates once trees are planted out. Key findings include:

  • Conifers grow to 75mm 33% quicker than traditional systems
  • Higher germination rates across all species
  • Broad leaves grow to 20-40cm spec in 3 months as opposed to 18-24 months
  • Higher survivability across all species
Topdown view of the inside of an IGS growth tower with purple LED lights.

How an IGS vertical farm creates the perfect growing environment for tree seedlings


Download our guide to find out more.