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What would Christmas be without a Christmas tree ? Most people don't think about Christmas trees until November or December, when they go out to select that perfect tree for the family. However, Christmas tree production is a multi-million pound industry that requires year-round management efforts. Christmas trees occupy a unique niche, incorporating aspects of both agricultural production and forestry. Insect and disease pests can have major effects on tree growth, appearance and value. Managing these pests, along with weeds and even rodents, is a critical component of tree production.
A few growers may produce their own planting stock, but the majority of producers purchase stock from private seedling-transplant nurseries. Pests, particularly diseases, may be transported on infested nursery stock. Purchasing stock from reputable dealers or buying inspected and certified stock can help prevent establishment of new pest problems.
Christmas trees are typically sheared or shaped each year, beginning 2 to 3 years after planting, and continuing on through harvest. Shearing accomplishes two goals. First, shearing develops the characteristic tapered shape associated with high-quality Christmas trees . Second, shearing controls the amount of annual growth and in some species, increases bud set. This results in greater density and uniformity of the foliage. Timing of shearing depends on the species of conifer. Pines are usually sheared during June and July; shearing of other species usually begins in August and continues until finished in the fall.
The first trees were used for seasonal decoration in the middle of the 19th Century, but it is only in the last 40 years or so that Christmas trees have become an essential part of Yuletide celebrations for the vast majority of families in Europe and North America. Count Grav Johan Scheel has a conifer plantation to the west of Copenhagen. His family has been growing Christmas trees commercially for more than four decades.
The lifecycle of a Christmas tree from the seed to a 2-metre (7 ft) tree takes, depending on species and treatment in cultivation, between 8 and 12 years. First, the seed is extracted from cones harvested from older trees. These seeds are then usually grown in nurseries and then sold to Christmas tree farms at an age of 3-4 years. The remaining development of the tree greatly depends on the climate, soil quality, as well as the cultivation and tendance by the Christmas tree farmer.
In late summer, trees with that will be harvested that year are identified and marked with tags or flagging. Many growers spray trees with a water-soluble green latex pigment in August or September. The green paint is applied to mask the characteristic yellowing of foliage which commonly occurs in some varieties of Scotch pine, eastern white pine and Douglas-fir. Needles begin to turn yellow in fall, in response to shorter photoperiod and cooler temperatures.
Most conifers planted for Christmas tree production require 7 to 10 years to reach maturity, depending on the species, the size of trees produced, and the intensity of management. Pines generally can be produced faster than spruce or fir trees, although size of planting stock, soil fertility and water availability can significantly affect rotation length. Damage from insect or disease pests that affect tree appearance, form or growth rate, can increase rotation length and production costs. Even after a pest population is controlled, trees may require 1 to 3 years to outgrow or recover from the damage.
A few growers may produce their own planting stock, but the majority of producers purchase stock from private seedling-transplant nurseries. Pests, particularly diseases, may be transported on infested nursery stock. Purchasing stock from reputable dealers or buying inspected and certified stock can help prevent establishment of new pest problems.
Christmas trees are typically sheared or shaped each year, beginning 2 to 3 years after planting, and continuing on through harvest. Shearing accomplishes two goals. First, shearing develops the characteristic tapered shape associated with high-quality Christmas trees . Second, shearing controls the amount of annual growth and in some species, increases bud set. This results in greater density and uniformity of the foliage. Timing of shearing depends on the species of conifer. Pines are usually sheared during June and July; shearing of other species usually begins in August and continues until finished in the fall.
The first trees were used for seasonal decoration in the middle of the 19th Century, but it is only in the last 40 years or so that Christmas trees have become an essential part of Yuletide celebrations for the vast majority of families in Europe and North America. Count Grav Johan Scheel has a conifer plantation to the west of Copenhagen. His family has been growing Christmas trees commercially for more than four decades.
The lifecycle of a Christmas tree from the seed to a 2-metre (7 ft) tree takes, depending on species and treatment in cultivation, between 8 and 12 years. First, the seed is extracted from cones harvested from older trees. These seeds are then usually grown in nurseries and then sold to Christmas tree farms at an age of 3-4 years. The remaining development of the tree greatly depends on the climate, soil quality, as well as the cultivation and tendance by the Christmas tree farmer.
In late summer, trees with that will be harvested that year are identified and marked with tags or flagging. Many growers spray trees with a water-soluble green latex pigment in August or September. The green paint is applied to mask the characteristic yellowing of foliage which commonly occurs in some varieties of Scotch pine, eastern white pine and Douglas-fir. Needles begin to turn yellow in fall, in response to shorter photoperiod and cooler temperatures.
Most conifers planted for Christmas tree production require 7 to 10 years to reach maturity, depending on the species, the size of trees produced, and the intensity of management. Pines generally can be produced faster than spruce or fir trees, although size of planting stock, soil fertility and water availability can significantly affect rotation length. Damage from insect or disease pests that affect tree appearance, form or growth rate, can increase rotation length and production costs. Even after a pest population is controlled, trees may require 1 to 3 years to outgrow or recover from the damage.
About the Author:
Paul Myers provides articles on behalf of the Christmas Tree Company, the official website of the Christmas Tree Company Online Ltd, a provider of premium quality Real Christmas trees and Decorative Christmas Lights. The company is located in the North West of England and delivers nationwide.
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