Afforestation, forest conversion, as well as areas that have seen wildfires and mudslides.
Plan out your forest project
Saves upwards of 50% compared to conventional tree planting.
Natural root growth, resilient stands, no transplant shock.
Provides access to land that is beyond the reach of conventional reforestation companies.
We have years of experience doing this and can guide you through every step toward a healthy, stable forest stand.
Our forest seeds are sourced from certified stands in compliance with the Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) Act. Our proprietary coating, developed for the forestry sector, deters predators and boosts germination and growth rates.
Artificial stratification and seed priming extend direct seeding to a wide range of species.
We use drones and forestry machinery, applying seeds quickly and precisely. Our work is done on all kinds of land, from steep slopes and post-fire sites to wide open areas.
Learn moreWhat are the advantages of sowing over planting?
Sowing mirrors natural regeneration: trees grow directly from seed, forming strong, site-adapted root systems with no transplant shock. Our trees’ resilience is critical in an era of climate change. Conventionally planted trees often struggle in drought and extreme weather. Their root deformities rarely heal and threaten the stands’ long-term stability.
Our seed coating enables rapid revegetation of damaged areas. Tree, shrub and herbaceous species are sown in a single pass.
Which tree species do you offer?
We sow everything ecologically suitable and technically feasible: oak, alder, sweet chestnut, fir, pine, larch, hornbeam, elm, rowan, birch, Douglas fir, maple and more. And where rapid shading and soil protection are needed, we supplement with herbaceous and shrub species. Heavy-fruited species such as oak or chestnut cannot be drone-seeded; they need to be sown by machine or hand.
Sowing is not only an alternative to planting but also a complementary measure. It acts as a pioneer, going in and establishing a pre-forest, so that you can then introduce sensitive target species.
Is site preparation necessary? How harmful is competing vegetation?
Many of our species are mineral-soil germinators. Despite being robust pioneers, all seedlings require direct soil contact and adequate water supply to establish roots.
We assess each site in advance and jointly determine the necessary preparation.
Some areas are too heavily covered by growth-smothering vegetation. Species like blackberry, bracken fern or bushgrass make them no longer suitable for sowing.
Suitability is assessed through either an on-site visit or a detailed remote consultation with site imagery.
How large an area does Skyseed require for sowing?
We have the right method for every area size. For areas under 5 ha or a forest conversion, hand or machine sowing is ideal; drones excel on large, steep sites. Since a minimum of 5 ha per region is required, some clients that own smaller parcels of land will team up with a neighbouring owner.
For smaller areas, we also offer our pelletized seeds for self-sowing.
For an overview of our prices, see our forest seeding configurator.
What does Skyseed charge for spreading coated seeds?
Every project is unique, with pricing depending on location, size, site condition, stocking density and seed availability. Our sowing prices start at around €3,500/ha—well below the cost of large-scale planting. Various governments offer subsidies, which can cover up to 80% of costs. Pelletized seed prices vary by species and quantity.
See our detailed pricing in the forest seeding configurator.
When is the ideal time to sow?
Timing is critical to sowing success. The ideal window is winter through early spring, with the optimal date depending on the species mix.
More lead time expands the range of possible species. Our pre-stratified seeds allow for spring sowing, though orders should be placed as early as possible—some species require months of stratification.
Where do you source your seeds?
We source exclusively from certified harvest stands. We adhere to the Forest Reproductive Material Act and current provenance guidelines. Our proprietary seed database stores the relevant HKGs, UGs and VKGs for every location in Germany, including approved substitute origins. Once your sowing is complete, you will receive a delivery note with master certificates.
Is sowing in rows possible?
Yes. Machine, horse or hand sowing is always carried out in rows, with approximately 2–3 m of spacing, depending on the stocking target. Drone sowing can also follow rows via RTK GPS, though the scatter radius is inherently wider when seeding from a height of 8–10 m.
Won't the seeds simply be eaten by animals?
Our coating significantly reduces predation by mice, snails and birds. The coated seeds germinate while still encased in the protective matrix; uncoated seeds are consumed in far greater numbers.
How do you deal with wildlife?
Dealing with wildlife requires some fencing. Nevertheless, seedlings from direct sowing are generally less attractive to game than nursery stock.
By enriching the mix with nurse trees, coppice species, herbs and useful shrubs, target trees are less exposed. Repellents and protective measures are also effective in winter. We are happy to advise on the best strategy.
Structural diversity is key: remaining crowns, branches and brushwood protect against grazing, improve the microclimate and build the foundation for humus formation.
