Christmas Tree Production

Background

Christmas tree production could be a useful income supplement especially from land which otherwise might be idle. A reasonable financial return can be achieved where the emphasis is on quality trees in a quantity which can be handled by the producer. This requires careful management and a commitment of time throughout the production period. Information on the Christmas tree industry can be obtained by contacting the following:

Suitable Land

A readily accessible site is essential. If possible, the site should have a gentle slope, free of frost pockets and be sheltered from prevailing winds. Shelter is important as winter winds can cause needle yellowing and desiccation of whole trees. Shelterbelts also reduce the need for water in the summer. North facing slopes are preferred, as south slopes are often dry and trees tend to initiate growth earlier in spring making them more susceptible to frost injury.

Trees will grow well in most agricultural soils. Avoid areas with soil conditions which do not support good natural plant growth. There should be sufficient soil depth to allow good development of tree roots. Excessively drained, dry sites are undesirable as are those with too much moisture. Loam soils with ample organic matter are preferred.

Tree Selection

There is no one species that meets all the requirements of a Christmas tree. Consumer demand, geographic location, soil and climate determine which species you can grow most profitably. The best species for prairies are Scots pine, balsam fir, white spruce, and ponderosa pine. Scots pine is the most promising specie for the prairies. It grows rapidly and with proper care can be marketed in five to seven years after planting. Because there is demand for more than one type of evergreen species, the growers should not rely on just one species.

Trees can be purchased as seedlings or transplants. Although generally more expensive, transplanted seedlings have higher survival and reach a marketable size sooner than seedlings. Trees are commonly planted at a spacing of 6 feet x 6 feet which requires 1200 trees per acre.

Production Requirements

Once the trees are planted the major requirement for several years is weed and pest control and replacing dead trees. In very dry areas irrigation may be required, especially in the fall to prevent winter browning. Although the growth rate of Christmas trees on the prairies is slower without irrigation, it may be more profitable to rely on rainfall especially in moist regions of the province unless the grower can purchase cheap used irrigation equipment or already has irrigation facilities.

After three to four years growth, trees are sheared annually to ensure a dense, pyramidal growth habit. Timing of pruning depends on the species. Pine trees are sheared in late spring, whereas, spruce can be sheared at any time.

Once trees reach a marketable size they are cut and bundled for sale. Cutting is generally done in late November or early December. If tree yellowing and desiccation have been a problem standing trees are sprayed with a greenish waxy dye to enhance the appearance of the trees. Trees are bundled prior to shipping to reduce transportation costs.

Technical Requirements

Marketing

Besides selling trees there is an opportunity to produce and sell wreaths made from the trimmings left by the tree shearing process. Wreaths store quite well and have become a popular item in recent years. The addition of wild berries, pine and spruce cones may add to the uniqueness of the wreaths.

Potential Christmas Tree Species

Scots pine

• well adapted to Prairie conditions
• genetically improved plant material is available
• the leading plantation species in the prairies
• marketable in 5 to 7 years
• requires shearing to produce a well shaped tree
• difficult to bundle because of its stiff branches

Red pine

• native to eastern Manitoba
• hardiness may be a problem
• lacks density therefore requires heavy shearing
• marketable in 7 to 10 years
• more difficult to establish than Scots pine

Ponderosa pine

• used extensively in the United States
• require careful selection of seed source, some sources are not hardy
• requires shearing to improve density
• marketable in 7 to 10 years
• more difficult to establish than Scots pine

Balsam fir

• grows best on well drained loam soils, requires reliable moisture
• good shape and does not require much shearing
• marketable in 7 to 12 years
• more difficult to grow in plantations than Scots pine

White spruce

• good shape and colour, little shearing required
• doesn't retain needles very well after cutting
• marketable in 8 to 12 years
• grows well in plantations, easy to establish

Colorado spruce

• good shape and colour, little shearing required
• doesn't retain needles very well after cutting
• needles are unacceptably sharp
• marketable in 8 to 12 years
• easy to establish, grows well in plantations

Technical References

Estabrooks, G.F. Growing Balsam Fir in Field and Forest, Canadian Forestry Service. Maritimes Info. Rep. M-X-164. 1988.

Landgren, C.G. and B.S. Douglas. Developing High Quality True Fir Christmas Trees. PNW 226. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. 1992.

Manitoba Dept. of Agric. Christmas Tree Growing in Manitoba. Soils and Crops Branch, Winnipeg, Manitoba. 1971.

McPhee, H.G. A Guide to Christmas Tree Growing in Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1982.

Saskatchewan Christmas Tree Growers Assoc. A Growing Start. Proceedings 1988 Summer Meeting.

Wright, C. W. What It Takes to be Successful in Christmas Trees. Christmas Trees, Vol 22 No. 1. 1994.