Unique Culture of Christmas Trees

Competition among Christmas tree growers is increasing. Rising costs must be kept in line with prices received, quality of trees must be improved, and the time required to produce a merchantable tree must be kept at a minimum. Unlike trees for timber, Christmas tree seedlings must be planted with greater care to eliminate crook at the base. Control of grasses and weeds is often required. Control of insects that deform limbs and terminals or damage foliate often requires a regular spray schedule. Generally, the small landowner will make the most money per acre because a small-scale Christmas tree growing operation usually does not call for complicated methods of harvesting and marketing.