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Christmas Tree Production
Table of Contents
IntroductionChristmas tree farming can be a profitable business, especially on marginal or less fertile land that is unsuitable for production of other agricultural crops. Where tree quality is optimised, markets for Ontario grown Christmas trees remains strong. Export markets include the US, Mexico and a smaller percentage to the Caribbean, as long as strict Federal pest control and inspection guidelines are met. Nova Scotia, Quebec and New Brunswick produce most of Canada's exported Christmas trees, while British Columbia and Ontario have been steadily increasing production and export of high quality trees. Present markets are highly competitive among producers and demand the best quality trees. Quality trees can only be produced through properly trained management. In Ontario, Christmas trees are produced in intensively managed plantations.
 Figure 1. A young Christmas tree plantation after two growing seasons. Weed control is important during the first few years of growth. Larger producers often use old school buses to transport worker crews to the fields. | Top of Page | Christmas Tree EstablishmentSome of the important factors to be considered when choosing location and lay out for a plantation include the following:
 Figure 2. A Christmas tree plantation after four growing seasons now half way to harvest. Herbicides are applied only to the tree rows. Timely mowing maintains weed control between the rows. | Top of Page | Species to plantChoosing the right Christmas tree species must obviously be carefully considered prior to planting. The species must suit the site with respect to soil depth, drainage, fertility and texture. Investigate the potential market for each species that will suitably grow on the site and make decisions accordingly. Growing more than one species will permit some diversity and flexibility at market time. Remember, the first tree sales will be 7 to 10 years in the future and predictions of species preferences by consumers, e.g. Fraser fir versus Scots pine, will be important for marketing. Species include:
In Ontario, both domestic and export markets are dominated by Scots pine, followed in popularity by white spruce. Balsam and Fraser fir have gained recent popularity however, fir is a more challenging species to achieve quality. Markets for fir are expected to increase as consumers discover the unique beauty of this Christmas tree species. Planting several different species has advantages:
 Figure 3. Inspecting mature Christmas trees for quality. Eight to ten years of close attention to irrigation, nutrition, pruning and control of insect pests and disease can yield profitable returns. | Top of Page | PruningCommercial Christmas trees must be pruned and sheared annually from the first growing year through to harvest. This is done to increase foliage density and improve shape. Pruning and shearing are demanding since they must be done by hand within a certain time frame to ensure maximum bud production. Large operations may require large numbers of workers to complete the job within the optimum shearing period. Labour expenses must be minimised. Pruning refers to the selective removal of whole branches and twigs. Shearing is a form of pruning which controls tree shape by trimming the tips of the branches. | Top of Page | Harvesting and marketingChristmas tree crops may be marketed in a number of ways and the sales method will be determined by volume of production and location of the farm in relation to urban centres. Large Christmas tree producers generally establish wholesale market outlets or buyers. Producers located close to large urban developments may find it profitable to retail the trees direct to the customer or use a cut-your-own (choose-and-cut) system. Sales plans should be established before planting or at least, established before the first harvest. Unsold, i.e. uncut, trees can be carried over to the next season. Except in a cut-your-own system, spruce and fir are cut from mid-November into December if snow conditions permit access into the plantation. Early frosts tend to yellow the foliage of Scots pine, therefore, they are cut, processed and stored in early November to preserve the blue-green colour. | Top of Page | Grades of QualityRegulations for Christmas tree grades have been in place since 1965 under the Farm Products Grades and Sales Act for the province of Ontario. Grading is based on several things including branch spacing and quality, foliage colour and density, tree shape, stem straightness, mechanical damage, presence of lichens or other foreign material and any other defects. As tree grade improves, tree value increases. While grading trees is not mandatory, if a grower expects to produce valuable trees, a working knowledge of the grading standards is essential. | Top of Page | Additional LearningIndustry Support - Contact the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (CTFO) Telephone: (705) 429-5328 Grower education: Successful Christmas Tree Farming. This is a Grower education program presented by the Christmas Tree Growers' Association of Ontario. It offers new Association members an opportunity to learn about the Christmas tree business. For information call: (705) 429-5328 Chapman, A.G. and Wray R.D. Christmas trees for pleasure and profit. Third Edition. Rutgers University Press, 1987. This is an authoritative book for owners of small individually operated Christmas tree farms and of large commercial plantations. Hill, Lewis. 1989. Christmas Trees. Growing and Selling Trees, Wreaths and Greens. Storey Communications, Inc. Schoolhouse Road, Pownal, Vermont 05261 McPhee, Hugh G. 1982. A Guide to Christmas Tree Growing in Ontario Published by the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (formerly Ontario Christmas Tree Growers Association of Ontario Inc.) and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (May be out of print - copies difficult to find). Successful Forestry. A Guide to Private Forest Management. 1988. Canadian Forestry Service. Martineau, R. 1984. Insects Harmful to Forest Trees. Multiscience Publications Limited and the Canadian Forestry Service, Environment Canada and the Canadian Government Publishing Centre. Nealis V.G. and Erb S. A Sourcebook for Management of the Gypsy Moth. 1993. Forestry Canada, Ontario Region, Great Lakes Forestry Centre. Ministry of Supply and Services Canada. | Top of Page | Resources available from INFOR Inc.To order contact: INFOR Inc. (* fees apply) Telephone: 506-450-8787 | Top of Page | Publication No.No. 3107E - Balsam fir update III: A review of the latest research findings pertinent to Christmas tree culture. UNB Faculty of Forestry, 1986. No. 3108E - Balsam fir update: A review of the latest research findings pertinent to Christmas tree culture. UNB Faculty of Forestry, 1990. No. 3109E - Shoot and bud development in balsam fir: Implications for pruning of Christmas trees. No. 3110E - New Brunswick balsam fir plantations per acre cost considerations. NB Forest Extension Service, 1984. No. 3118E - Soils and foliage analysis - Tools for the Christmas tree grower. NB Forest Extension Service, 1987. No. 3119E - Shearing balsam fir Christmas trees. Canadian Forestry Service, 1986. No. 3120E - Growing balsam fir Christmas trees in field and forest. Canadian Maritime Forestry Service, 1988. No. 3101E - A guide to beneficial insects on balsam fir Christmas trees. Canadian Maritime Forest Service, 1996. No. 3105E - Growing Christmas trees under the GST. NB Forest Extension Service, 1991. Related Links| Top of Page | For more information:Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 Local: (519) 826-4047 E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca |
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