Christmas trees are a tradition among millions of people around the world.A Christmas tree forest can take up to 10 years to grow and requires patience and maintenance.By tending to your forest, properly planting your seedlings, and figuring out the details before the holiday season, you can grow a healthy Christmas tree forest.
Step 1: You should consider the type of tree you want to plant.
fir, pine, spruce, cypress, and cedar are just some of the Christmas trees.The trees look different in different climates.Think about where your tree forest will be located and choose a tree that can thrive in that climate.In Hardiness Zones 3–5 or states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana, Balsam firs are a popular Christmas tree species.Virginia pines are Christmas trees that grow in hotter climates.The Eastern Red Cedar and Deodar Cedar are trees that are grown in warmer climates.
Step 2: There is a suitable plot of land.
A flat plot of land is the best place to start the Christmas tree forest.If you want to grow a lot of Christmas trees, find a piece of land that is large enough.The slope of the land is not good for tree growth.The trees should be at least five feet apart.You can plant 1,500 trees with one acre of land.
Step 3: Conduct a soil analysis.
The quality of the soil is an important factor in determining the land's quality.Most Christmas trees thrive in mossy loam, which is well-drained and has different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and mineral.A Christmas tree forest can be planted with the help of the soil's pH levels.You can conduct a soil analysis with a local university or cooperative by visiting the website of the Natural Resources and Conservation Services.Christmas trees with a pH of 6.0 are recommended.The ideal soil pH is 6.5 for Douglas fir, blue spruce, and concolor fir.A soil test should be conducted every three years.
Step 4: There are planting restrictions in your town.
Many states and cities have restrictions on farming andzoning.Before dedicating your free land to growing a tree forest, you should consult with your local state's forest service or state department of agriculture about what forms and licenses you'll need to start your Christmas tree farm.Handling of chemicals and disposal of waste are some of the issues that grow a tree farm.
Step 5: Take care of the land for the tree forest.
Excess weeds or debris can be removed from the plot of land you plan on using for your tree.If you want to eliminate existing weeds and prevent future weeds from growing, you can use an herbicide.The dead plants can be removed with a mechanical or manual spade or till.sphagnum or organic material can be used to promote tree growth in your soil if it doesn't have the right minerals, nutrients, or pH level.If your soil has a low pH, you can raise it with lime or carbonate.Addingfertilizer to the soil will increase nitrogen levels.Christmas tree farms use a variety of pesticides.Check the label to make sure that the weed killer won't hurt the trees you're trying to grow.
Step 6: You can plant trees in the spring.
The best time to plant trees is in the spring.transplant shock is caused by hot or cold weather and can cause plants to die early.Before top growth begins, you should plant your trees in the spring.
Step 7: Measure the distance from one another to the tree sites.
Before planting your trees, you'll want to use a measuring tape to make sure you have a 5 foot radius around each tree.You can plant a flag in the spots where you'll eventually dig holes to plant your trees.This will let you know how many trees you can grow.
Step 8: A garden tool or electric drill can be used to create a hole.
Go to the locations of your flags and dig a hole that's big enough to fit the tree.This usually involves digging a hole at least a foot deep.You can do this with an electric drill.Manual tools can be used to dig your hole.
Step 9: The tree should be planted into the hole.
The holes that you created need to be put into the saplings.If you want to encourage growth, pour an inch of topsoil into the hole.Once the tree is in the hole, pack soil around it.Finish by using a garden tool, like a shovel.
Step 10: You should water your plants.
You can saturate the soil around the plant site with a garden hose or watering bucket.If you don't have enough water, your plants will die because of a lack of water.Weekly watering is required for the first year.If there is a dry year after the first year, you won't have to water the tree forest.Measure the moistness of the soil by sticking a screwdriver into it.The screwdriver can easily pass through the moist soil.It means that your soil needs more water if you can't push it down.
Step 11: It's a good idea to shear your trees.
Shearing your trees will help shape them.Hedge clippers, shears and hand clippers can be used to maintain the shape of your tree.Depending on the climate and type of tree you are growing, the shear time varies.Remove the double tops and cut the main shoot in half.Many of the side branches won't have to be sheared.When terminal growth is almost complete, pliches should be sheared.Douglas firs should be sheared in July or August.
Step 12: How do you want to sell trees?
Christmas trees can be sold wholesale or retail.Wholesale includes contacting established Christmas tree retailers or distributors in the area and selling off a significant portion of your lot for a discounted rate per tree.You'll have to open a booth or storefront to cater to specific customer needs if you sell retail or directly to the consumer.The upside to wholesale is that you can sell all of your trees in a single transaction rather than having to sell them individually.Before you plant your tree forest, make sure to contact local buyers.If you sell retail, you will see a higher rate of return per tree, but you also run the risk of not being able to sell all of your trees before the holiday season is over.
Step 13: The infrastructure needs to be built.
If you want to sell retail, you'll need to build a business infrastructure around your tree sales that includes a stand or space for salespeople.If you are going to cut your own trees, you'll need a hacksaw, a bone saw, and a mechanical baler.Storage and loading areas are needed for both retail and wholesale.Sales processes can be included in infrastructure.
Step 14: Get the right marketing plan.
If you are selling trees directly to the consumer, you should invest in local and regional advertising.Before your harvest is fully grown, make sure you establish industry connections.If one buyer drops out, you can't sell your trees.It is possible to create a competitive advantage for your tree farm by offering perks.Christmas Trees Magazine, American Nurseryman, and the Northwest Christmas Tree Association Buy-Sell Directory are magazines that you can get advertisements in.