UNIVERSITY PARK – For many people who celebrate the Christmas holiday, one of the traditions of the season is finding the family tree. Whether the hunt for the right one takes place on a Christmas tree farm or nursery or at a tree stand in the city, everyone is looking for the perfect tree.
Ricky Bates, Penn State associate professor of ornamental horticulture, has had a lifelong interest in plant production. His research at Penn State examines real-world problems faced by the nursery and Christmas tree industries, and he conducts education and research programs aimed at improving the profitability of these businesses. Here he shares some of his knowledge of these trees.
What are the best conditions (climate, soil, etc.) for Christmas tree farms?
Bates: Pennsylvania is an excellent region of the country to grow Christmas trees due to a combination of acceptable soil types (well-drained) and somewhat moderate temperature conditions. Proximity to population centers along the East coast also are an advantage.
How many tree farms are in Pennsylvania? Is this more or less than most states?
Bates: There are more than 2,000 Christmas tree farms in Pennsylvania, and in recent history, Pennsylvania has usually ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation in the number of Christmas tree farms. In terms of acreage and/or dollar volume of sales, Pennsylvania usually ranks behind Michigan, North Carolina and Oregon.
Which tree species are commonly used as Christmas trees? Do Pennsylvanians seem to have a favorite that nurseries grow more of because of that?
Bates: In Pennsylvania, the Douglas fir and Fraser fir are the two most important species, comprising more than 70 percent of the acreage in the state. Other species grown in Pennsylvania include white pine, blue spruce, concolor fir [also called white fir] and Scotch pine. If there was a favorite, or one most desired by consumers, it would likely be the Fraser fir, due to its excellent needle retention and fragrance.
How long do trees need to grow before they are ready to be sold?
Bates: When a Christmas tree seedling is planted on a farm, it is usually already three or four years old. Depending upon the species, it may take another seven to 10 years to produce a marketable tree.
How hard or easy is it for a tree farmer to prevent tree diseases?
Bates: While they can be an issue, diseases are not difficult to control if the growing site was well selected. Needlecast diseases are the main problem for Douglas fir and root-rotting diseases often affect Fraser fir.
Has the economy had an impact on the tree industry? Are people still buying Christmas trees, or is that something people sacrifice when the nation is facing hard financial times?
Bates: The recent economic downturn generally has not had a severe effect on the Pennsylvania Christmas tree industry. Displaying a Christmas tree is an important tradition for many families and does not represent a very large expense.
Since tree farms specifically grow trees that will be chopped down, does this have any effect on the environment?
Bates: The environmental impact of producing Christmas trees or any other agricultural commodity is more complicated than it may appear, and the question needs to be considered in the context of overall benefits and costs. For example, fossil fuels are consumed to produce trees on farms but these same trees also sequester carbon over their lifespan. In the final analysis, Christmas tree farms benefit the environment in a number of important and diverse ways. Reducing soil erosion, creating habitat for wildlife and sequestering carbon are just a few practical benefits realized via tree farming.
Are there any kinds of trees that are better for people with allergies? Are there any trees that are harmful to pets?
Bates: One species is not better than another in terms of allergies, and there is likely to be no difference between species in this regard. Allergies directly related to Christmas trees are rare and something that has been somewhat exaggerated by the media. There also are no Christmas tree species harmful to pets. If people have trouble with cats climbing in their tree, they may purchase a spruce species due to the sharper needle characteristic.
Are there any tricks to keeping a tree purchased in early December fresh until at least New Year’s Day?
Bates: Keeping a cut tree fresh during the holidays is largely an issue of water. Anything you can do to keep the tree hydrated will keep it fresh. Start by making a fresh quarter-inch cut around the base of the tree if it has been more than two days since it was harvested. Use a tree stand with a water reservoir of at least 1.5 gallons –- a freshly cut, average-sized tree can use up to a gallon of water each day. Refill the stand with clean water regularly so that the water level does not drop below the base of the tree. Keep the tree away from heat, so don’t position it near heating vents. Douglas fir and Fraser fir should remain fresh inside a house for four or five weeks.
What about tree removal — is there anywhere people can take trees in January, so they can be used in another way, instead of putting them out with the garbage?
Bates: After the tree is used, consider alternative disposal methods. Many communities have recycling programs and offer curbside pickup and will convert the tree into mulch. Used trees also make great fish habitats when placed in farm ponds or lakes.