Deck the Fields

Growing Christmas trees is a great way to “spruce” up your property. It’s also an opportunity to create lasting memories and even turn a profit. There’s just something magical about a farm-fresh, homegrown Christmas tree that makes the holidays truly special.

To help you get started, we spoke with Dee Clark, seventh-generation farmer and owner of C&G Nursery Inc. and Christmas Corner, in Pineola, North Carolina. Clark’s family began growing Fraser firs in the late 1950s after transitioning from raising beef cattle and growing cabbage.

Since 1976, Clark has specialized in growing ornamental plants and Fraser firs across approximately 1,000 acres, including properties in Avery County, North Carolina and Mountain City, Tennessee.

In this article, he shares valuable tips and advice on how to successfully grow Christmas trees on your own acreage.

Choosing the Right Tree

It’s important to choose an evergreen variety that grows best in your area’s climate and soil conditions. To help, check the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone Map and only buy seeds or seedlings labeled for your zone.

Fraser Firs

The most traditional Christmas tree variety is the Fraser fir. This highly sought-after tree has good needle retention and stays green long after harvest.

“A Fraser fir Christmas tree offers everything you want wrapped in one package,” said Clark. “It’s beautiful, evergreen, has a distinct smell and its sturdy branches hold family heirloom ornaments. Its natural shape is the classic triangular form that evokes so many happy memories.”

Most firs grow well in zones three to six, and take about seven to 10 years to reach Christmas tree size.

Other Tree Varieties

In other areas, white pines, cedars, spruce and cypress trees are grown.

“Each has its pros and cons,” Clark explained. “But the Fraser fir is the premier species for fragrance and needle retention, making it a number one choice of consumers.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Christmas Trees

Step 1: Land Prep & Considerations

According to Clark, you need to own, or have access to, acreage suitable for raising trees. An acre is sufficient for hobby growers, while large-scale growers will require more.

“Depending on the amount of road footage you need to get trucks and harvest equipment into your field, the number of trees you can grow will vary,” he said.

Clark recommends following the industry standard of planting trees in grid-like patterns.

“Per acre of land, a diamond four-by-four-foot grid pattern can get you 2,300 trees. With a five-by-five-foot pattern, you can get 1,700 trees per acre.”

Soil Type & Nutrients

Well-draining soil, preferably porter-type soil — very deep, well drained, permeable soil that is formed from igneous rocks and lacustrine deposits — is recommended. This soil type is commonly found in areas 2,500 to 3,300 feet elevation.

“Providing the correct nutrients is also important,” said Clark. “Yearly soil tests evaluate soil pH level and critical nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Recommendations of nutrients, like lime and other trace elements, will also be listed in the results.”

Clark suggests checking with your state’s Department of Agriculture for soil testing kits.

“This is especially helpful to farmers,” he continued. “You can send soil samples to be analyzed for recommendations prior to purchasing any fertilizer products.”

Step 2: Grow or Purchase Seedlings

To grow seeds, place them in a damp paper towel inside a Ziploc bag. Store in the fridge for a few weeks.

Check the seeds regularly. Once roots appear, plant the seeds in small pots with good drainage. Space the seeds about half an inch apart, water and cover with plastic wrap.

Keep the pots in a sunny and warm area. When seedlings emerge, remove the plastic wrap and water weekly until you’re ready to plant outdoors.

To purchase seedlings, visit a local nursery a few days before planting. Look for seedlings labeled with a two-to-two ratio, which means they spent two years in a seedbed and two years as transplants.

Step 3: Plant Seedlings

To plant, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the pot. Carefully remove the seedling and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill with soil, then water and mulch.

Clark recommends planting in grid-like patterns, spacing seedlings 7 to 8 feet apart.

Step 4: Caring for Your Trees

Proper care is essential to ensuring healthy growth, vibrant foliage and a successful harvest.

Tools of the Trade

To maintain Christmas trees, certain mechanical devices and equipment are required.

“On our farm we use small tractors, chainsaws, high pressure and air blast sprayers, tree balers, conveyor belts and trucks. We also use shearing knives, hand pruners and pest scouring lenses,” said Clark.

Weed Control

The planting site requires year-round maintenance, including the removal of weeds and other vegetation growing around young trees and seedlings.

If left, vegetation will compete with the trees for nutrients and water. Apply mulch around the base of the trees to help reduce weeds.

Pest & Disease Control

Controlling pests and diseases ensures healthy tree growth and prevents current and future damage.

“Spider mites, twig aphids, elongate hemlock scale, Cinara aphids and woolly adelgid are a few of the pests that must be controlled,” Clark warned. “This is critical to get a marketable tree that meets USDA and state standards.”

Fertilization & Shearing

According to Clark, fertilization and shearing practices are extremely important to growing healthy trees.

“This is especially important for a Fraser fir where that distinctive green color is highly sought after,” he explained.

After about two to three years of growth, shape young trees by pruning or shearing. This is especially important for maintaining the classic symmetrical Christmas tree shape.

Step 5: Harvesting

“Harvest depends on the variety of trees grown and the average daily temperatures for the area,” Clark noted. “For Fraser firs, beginning harvest occurs around Oct. 25 and extends until Dec. 24.”

Using a handsaw or chainsaw, cut trees when they reach a height of about 6 to 7 feet.

For best results, harvest trees in late fall. After cutting, place them in a container of water to prevent resealing, keeping the trees fresh and green throughout the holiday season.