WEEDELETE indispensable in the nursery after just one year

ARTICLE

Emiel te Walvaart, Friday 21 February 2025

170 sec

Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren praises the performance of the WEEDELETE hoeing machine

Mechanical weed removal has become indispensable in tree nurseries, especially as chemical pesticides are increasingly restricted. Van Tuijl Innovations recognized this trend and developed WEEDELETE, a unique rotary hoeing machine. Its shallow cultivation is a key feature, making it a popular choice among many enthusiastic users, including the German Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren: "We now use multiple WEEDELETE hoeing machines."

The Weedelete in operation at Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren

Van Tuijl Innovations (VTI) began developing WEEDELETE in 2020 to address the growing restrictions on chemical use. Growers are seeking alternatives, such as mechanical weed removal. Van Tuijl has now introduced the hoeing machines in more than twelve countries worldwide. "WEEDELETE incorporates thoughtful and patented technical applications that make the machine unique. It is a rotary hoeing machine that removes weeds between trees and other crops in an ecologically responsible manner through shallow cultivation. This ensures that the soil structure remains intact and soil life is preserved, distinguishing WEEDELETE from other hoeing machines," explains Martin van Tuijl, operations manager at Van Tuijl Innovations.

Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren, an enthusiastic user

One of the enthusiastic users of WEEDELETE is the German Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren. Based in Bad Zwischenahn, this nursery has been using the rotary hoe for over a year. Malte Heinrichsdorff, operations manager at the nursery, explains why they chose WEEDELETE: "Environmental protection and sustainability are not just buzzwords for us; they have been integral to our business philosophy for years. The soil is our production foundation, and we protect it to maintain its high quality. Mechanical weed removal is a crucial factor in this."
When asked how the company discovered Van Tuijl Innovations, he responds, "We only opted for WEEDELETE after an extensive testing phase on our plots. After first contact at the IPM trade fair in Essen, we had the opportunity to have the machine demonstrated directly in Bad Zwischenahn by Van Tuijl Innovations."

Lorenz von Ehren uses the hoeing machines to remove weeds between trees and shrubs. "We have found the device to be very reliable and problem-free. Maintenance is minimal, limited to essential servicing." Heinrichsdorff highlights several key strengths of WEEDELETE: "I particularly want to emphasize its ease of operation and reliable results. The soil cultivation takes place only in the topsoil layer, providing a clean result."
The operations manager is also highly positive about the collaboration with VTI: "There is a strong mutual exchange on equal footing. VTI provides all necessary support even after purchase. As a result, WEEDELETE has become a staple in our nursery and is now almost indispensable."

"The soil cultivation takes place only in the topsoil layer, providing a clean result."

Robust and reliable equipment

This well-engineered in-row weeder, developed in collaboration with tree nurseries, features a unique rotary hoeing system capable of removing both large and small weeds with exceptional efficiency. Additionally, it simultaneously levels the soil. WEEDELETE accounts for obstacles and drip irrigation hoses, ensuring no damage to crops.
Van Tuijl states: "The WEEDELETE hoeing machine can be easily attached behind a tractor and operates efficiently at low engine power. It follows the ground contours and has an optimal working speed. It is a robust and reliable tool that does not rely on fragile electronics."

This damage-free hoeing method is made possible by hydraulically controlled feeler rollers. These curved arms, equipped with a double row of soft wheels, ensure that the hoeing units closely follow the trees and quickly return to their original position. This system is suitable for trees in all growth stages, from saplings to mature trees, as well as for shrubs, conifers, multi-stemmed plants, and more.
The machine is user-friendly and can be easily adjusted without tools, including the hoeing depth and the positioning of the swivel units. If tree spacing is narrower, a smaller diameter swivel unit can be installed.

Martin van Tuijl

Malte Heinrichsdorff

Specifications of the WEEDELETE

- Required power: minimum 25 HP
- Minimum hydraulic output: 20 liters
- Hoeing depth and working width easily adjustable
- Soil pressure of the swivel unit can be adjusted depending on soil type: sand, peat, or clay
- Levels the soil surface
- Environmentally friendly
- Maximum driving speed: 5 km/h
- Driving speed depends on plant spacing in the row
- Subsidy opportunities available
For more information: see www.vti.nl/weedelete/.

Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren

Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren in Bad Zwischenahn (Germany) is considered one of Europe's leading tree nurseries. Trees and plants are the passion of this German grower. "We always work in harmony with nature to cultivate the most beautiful, highest-quality trees and plants. We supply our trees and plants throughout Europe. You can find them in many European cities, such as near Tower Bridge in London, in Paris, and in Zurich," says operations manager Malte Heinrichsdorff.
The nursery provides unique specimens for every location: the finest trees, the most beautiful conifers, hedge elements, solitary plants, fruit trees, shaped trees, and bonsai trees, all of the highest quality. The plants are grown on a production area of approximately 400 hectares.

This article was originally published on February 21, 2025, on the Boom In Business website.

Van Tuijl Innovations

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