How Christmas Trees Grow
Characteristics of a Christmas Tree
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What is Christmas tree cultivation?
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A Christmas tree farmer in the U.S. state of Florida explains the pruning and shearing process of cultivation to a government employee.
Christmas tree cultivation is an agricultural, forestry, and horticultural occupation which involves growing pine, spruce, and fir trees specifically for use as Christmas trees.
The first Christmas tree farm was established in 1901, but most consumers continued to obtain their trees from forests until the 1930s and 1940s. 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.
A wide variety of pine and fir species are grown as Christmas trees, although a handful of varieties stand out in popularity. In the United States, Douglas-fir, Scots pine and Fraser fir all sell well. Nordmann fir and Norway spruce sell well in the United Kingdom, the latter being popular throughout Europe. Like all conifers, Christmas trees are vulnerable to a range of pests.
The final stage of cultivation, harvesting, is carried out in a number of ways; one of the more popular methods is the pick-your-own tree farm, where customers are allowed to roam the farm, select their tree, and cut it down themselves. Other farmers cultivate potted trees, with balled roots, which can be replanted after Christmas and used again the following year.
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How do Christmas trees grow?
Grass is planted in the fall, and the trees get planted in early spring. From there, it takes about 6-8 years for the trees to grow to a marketable height. During this time we monitor for weeds, fertility issues, and pests and as an IPM (Integrated pest management) farm, we take control measures only when needed.
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What are the characteristics of a Christmas tree?
Christmas trees have many characteristics, including shape, color, branch distribution, and needle retention. Some popular Christmas trees include:
- Fraser fir: A popular choice known for its fragrance, sturdy branches, and needle retention. Its branching structure is strong enough to support large ornaments.
- Norway spruce: A traditional choice with shiny, dark green needles and sturdy branches. It's often used as a landscaping tree today.
- White pine: A softer-textured tree with longer needles than most other Christmas trees. Its limbs are more pliable than those of a Fraser fir.
- Virginia pine: A tree with stout branches that can support heavier ornaments. It has a rich piney fragrance and twisted needles that range from 1 1/2" to 2" in length.
- Eastern red cedar: A traditional southern Christmas tree.
- Arizona cypress: A tree grown on many Choose & Cut farms in North Carolina.
- Carolina sapphire: A tree with fast growth, a beautiful blue color, and an excellent aroma.
The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany, where families decorated a paradise tree on December 24.