Barney Harrison is a fourth-generation grower whose family name is synonymous with large scale landscape trees and plants in Southland.

“When my great-grandfather Richmond Harrison started Harrison Nurseries back in 1918 he sold Lacebark Trees to provide shelter for the settlers. The bigger the tree the more shelter and beauty it provided and we’ve always continued that interest in large trees.”

Today the nursery is known as Easy Big Trees and is recognised for its high quality trees, plants and service.

 “We currently stock over 300 different trees and shrubs spread across 24 hectares in Southland with an extended range of natives and exotics which is probably the largest range in the South Island if not New Zealand,” says Barney. “If we don’t have what the customer wants we can usually source and grow it to the size required.”

The family’s commitment and enthusiasm has delivered success on many different levels.

“This is a family business that’s survived over 100 years through good times and bad because we have a real passion for nature. We love what we do and we like to make it easy for customers with our business structured to suit them. It doesn’t matter if a particular task takes us double the time to achieve the best results.”

Trees can be ordered online or by phone and delivered direct.

“Our website www.easybigtrees.co.nz features a gallery of trees and project examples while the nursery itself offers tours via golf carts with a team member to view the trees and discuss requirements which is highly recommended,”

Garden Creation

Well designed gardens and landscapes provide immediate long-term benefits and returns for homeowner according to Easy Big Trees.

“We create instant quality landscape solutions for new homes and projects ranging from five-year-old trees up to 20 plus year trees in The Harrison’s Heritage Collection that we’ve grown and nurtured. These advanced aged specimen trees give the instant effect of an established tree that has been part of the landscape for years,” says sales and marketing director Barney Harrison.

He says correct planting techniques and preparation are important.

“We recommend engaging a qualified landscape architect to complete a garden design suited to the property’s scale to create a world of beauty for many years to come. We provide a simple planting guide with the purchase of all our trees and encourage people to use trusted installers to ensure long term best results.”