He is an inspiration to young and old in the nursery industry, and at the age of 91, Eric Appleton continues to be actively involved in his tree nursery near Wakefield.
Eric has been recognised for his phenomenal knowledge, expertise, and lifelong work in the arboriculture sector with a special Tasman District Council Service Award presented by Tasman Mayor Tim King.
Since arriving in New Zealand after a 25,000-kilometre overland motorbike emigration in 1956, he has worked his way to the forefront of the tree industry.
In 1960, he moved to Wakefield when he became the manager of Baigents Tree Nursery, where he implemented fertiliser trials to correct severe nutritional problems apparent in the Moutere clay soils.
Appleton’s Tree Nursery began operations in 1968, where Eric and his wife sold Pinus radiata seedlings. Then they started to grow an increasing range of other tree species to encourage diversity in the landscape. Some of this diversity can be seen driving south through Wakefield, past the police station and in front of Faulkner Bush where we enjoy Eric’s personal choice of plantings.
Eric Appleton’s impact on the arboriculture industry both nationally and internationally is immense. Internet searches turn up articles and associations with Eric with NZ Crop Association, the Environmental Protection Authority, NZ School of Forestry, the International Plant Propagators Society – the list is huge!
Eric still freely gives advice on the appropriate planting for forestry and amenity horticulture, and his legacy will be huge redwoods, oaks and many other exotic and native trees planted around Aotearoa New Zealand.