Yes, it is a bit early to think about Christmas. The pumpkin season just ended, Thanksgiving is lurking around the corner and plastic trees are already being displayed in stores.
But America’s Christmas tree farmers are just beginning to get warmed up. They produce a true “real green” product that will create jobs, is grown on plantations in the USA and is recyclable.
Puget Sound Christmas tree farmers and local retail lots will be offering a wide variety of species. To help select your favorite tree, the characteristics of the more popular species are listed below.
Douglas fir: This tree is generally available as a sheared tree and is the most common species found on tree lots. It has a nice fragrance and a medium-to-good shelf life. Because of the thick, bushy crowns, they do not lend themselves to large or heavy decorations.
This species is the easiest to grow because it is relatively problem-free. It requires seven to eight years to mature as a Christmas tree.
Noble fir: This species is considered the Cadillac of Christmas trees. It grows in a more open pattern, has stout branches, luxurious green needles, a long shelf life and has a nice fragrance. It is popular with families that have large or heavy ornaments.
It is the most expensive tree because it takes eight to 10 years to mature and is the most difficult species to grow.
Grand fir: This sheared tree is the most fragrant of the native species. It has an attractive needle that makes it a popular choice as a flocked tree.
Grand fir trees require eight to nine years to grow and have a medium shelf life.
Fraser fir: This North Carolina native has strong branches that will hold heavier ornaments. The needles have a pleasant fragrance and a long shelf life comparable to a noble fir.
Fraser fir trees are difficult to grow because of the many pests that threaten them. They require eight to 10 years before they are ready for harvest.
Norway and blue spruce trees: These are generally available only at choose-and-cut farms.
They will hold heavy decorations. Some consumers think they are “child and pet proof” because of the stiff, prickly needles.
Spruces require eight to nine years to mature as Christmas trees and have a medium shelf life.
Where to Find Trees
To enjoy a fun experience with the family, visit a local choose and cut farm. Locations and tree information can be found on the Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association website, www.pscta.com.
Many nurseries, stores and charity groups will offer trees at retail lots.
Proper Tree Care
Once home, cut one-quarter inch off the butt and place the tree in a water stand. The stand should be large enough to hold at least one gallon of water after the tree is placed in it. Check the water level daily. A typical 6-foot tree can drink one gallon of water each day and remain fresh for two to three weeks.
Years of Hard Work
A tree farmer invests many dollars and hard work for six to 10 years before earning any return.
Not all trees will be salable. Some will die while others may be damaged by insects or diseases before they reach harvest size.
For example, of 1,000 trees planted, 900 to 950 Douglas firs may be salable. However, only 700 to 800 nobles may be marketable because of losses to the above factors. Therefore, a grower needs to receive more money for nobles than Douglas firs to make them profitable to grow.
Do Trees Really Cost So Much?
One interesting way to view prices is to look at how much a tree costs and how long it can be enjoyed by a family compared to other activities.
For example, if you pay $30 for a Douglas fir or $60 for a noble, they will bring joy and good smells to your home for two or more weeks. If you spend $30 to feed a family of four at a fast food establishment or $60 to attend a movie and eat popcorn, the enjoyment may last from one to four hours.
When viewed in that perspective, trees are a pretty good bargain for the time that they bring enjoyment to millions of families.
Dennis Tompkins is a certified arborist and hazard tree risk assessor from the Bonney Lake-Sumner area. He is also a nationally recognized expert and consultant to the Christmas tree industry. Contact him at 253-863-7469 or email at dlt@blarg.net. Website: evergreen-arborist.com.
