Extension

 

Date of this Version

1976

Comments

© 1976, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.

Abstract

In America the decorated Christmas tree has become an accepted tradition. Christmas would seem barren to most people without it. Raising Christmas trees is a growing industry and has proven to be a profitable use of land if high-quality, salable trees are produced.

Planting, managing, and harvesting Christmas trees is a high labor, high risk endeavor. Here is a list of questions. If you can answer "yes" to every one, you will be a successful Christmas tree grower.

Are you willing to plant trees every April?

Are you willing to shear or prune every tree, every year (mid-June to mid-July) until it is harvested?

Are you willing to control weeds and grass? Much of this can be accomplished with chemicals and cultivation, but manual work is required.

Are you willing to devote time and energy in late November and December in marketing your trees?

Are you willing to invest land, equipment, and labor to a project that will take at least six years before you see any return?

Will you devote time to educate yourself in all areas of the Christmas tree business?

Will you take the time to control or minimize the damage caused by mice, rabbits, moles, deer, and dogs?

Will you protect the trees from fire?

Will you completely exclude all livestock?

Are you willing or able to accept periodic heavy losses due to drought, hail, or other natural causes?

Do you enjoy tending trees as they grow?

Did you answer "yes" to all of the above questions? If so, read on. This circular will (1) help you make a decision before investment and (2) be a management guide for other Christmas tree growers.

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