Christmas tree cultivation

Christmas tree farming was once seen only as a viable alternative for low-quality farmland, but that perception has changed within the agriculture industry.

For optimum yield and quality, land should be flat or gently rolling and relatively free of debris and undergrowth.

The practice of cultivating evergreens specifically to sell as Christmas trees dates back to 1901, when a 25,000-tree Norway spruce farm was sown near Trenton, New Jersey.

[6] Flat or gently rolling land is preferred to that with steep slopes and inclines, which is prone to erosion and fluctuations in fertility.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, chlorine, manganese, molybdenum, iron, and zinc are obtained from the soil.

[9] The weather, as with other agricultural endeavors, plays a key outcome in the yield of a Christmas tree farm.

Severe cold in the winter and extreme hot and dry conditions during and after harvest can cause irreparable damage to the crop.

Depending on the quality of the land, bulldozing may need to be undertaken prior to planting, to remove obstacles such as large trees or rocks.

Many species of pine and fir require pruning and shearing two to four years after planting to maintain the classic Christmas tree shape.

[10] Late or omitted pruning can result in trees that are unmarketable due to large gaps in needle coverage.

Some items commonly found on Christmas tree farms are insecticide sprayers, tractors, and shaper sheers.

[17] In the U.S. Pacific Northwest, a major Christmas tree growing region, Douglas fir has always been the primary species grown.

Invasive insect species, such as the pine shoot beetle and the gypsy moth, also threaten Christmas tree crops.

[23] Christmas trees are also vulnerable to fungal pathogens, resulting in such illnesses as root rot, and, in California, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia sudden oak death.

[25] Mammals such as deer, gophers, and ground squirrels are also threats to Christmas tree crops, due to the damage they cause to roots and buds.

[28] Herbaceous weeds, as well as woody plants, also compete with Christmas tree crops for water and nutrients, necessitating control methods including mowing, chemical herbicide use, and tilling.

Some operations are known as "choose-and-cut" or pick-your-own farms, which allow customers to walk through the planted land, select their Christmas tree and cut down themselves.

[8] Wholesale operations are more labor-intensive because they usually require the farmer to complete tasks such as baling, cutting, moving the trees to a roadside pick-up, and loading the harvest.

[3] One 1,200-acre (490 ha) farm in Oregon lacked road access, so it began using helicopters to move up to 200,000 Christmas trees per year.

[39] The people who operate Christmas tree farms range from full-time growers to part-time farmers.

[48] The NCTA also stated that the farms help to stabilize the soil, protect water supplies and provide wildlife habitat.

The report cited the use of fertilizers and pesticides and increasing concerns regarding tree disposal as the chief elements in its prediction.

[53] Other positive reuses included fish habitat in private ponds and backyard bird feeders.

[54] In OSU's Department of Forest Science, Mike Bondi is conducting ongoing research into Christmas tree fertilization, productivity and genetics, as well as natural and artificial regeneration systems.

North Carolina State University has several full-time staff dedicated to all aspects of tree production.

[58] Specialties at N.C. State cross several academic departments and range from a Christmas tree genetics program to providing material support for growers in areas such as sustainable agriculture and pest management.

[59] Activities related to the cultivation of Christmas trees require cross-disciplinary (forestry, horticulture, and agriculture) skills and fall into different specialty categories.

[63] In the United Kingdom, Christmas trees do not fall into the category of enterprises included in farm profits.

[40] Other tree farms have served the same families for multiple generations, becoming a part of each group's holiday traditions.

One grower in Kansas contended that usual worries for businesses, such as a tight economy, do not affect Christmas tree farms.