Propagation of Christmas trees
The Propagation of Christmas trees is the series of procedures carried out to grow new Christmas trees.
Many different species of evergreen trees are used for Christmas trees. The most common of these species are classified in the four genera: pines, spruces, firs, and cypress. Christmas trees can be grown from seed or from root cuttings.
Varieties of traditional Christmas trees
There are many different species of evergreen trees that are used for Christmas trees. The most common of these species are classified in one of four genera: pines, spruces, firs, and cypress. In addition to these, the Douglas fir is also commonly used as a Christmas tree, but it is not a true fir. The varieties of trees that a nursery chooses to propagate is dependent upon what type of farm is buying the reproduced plant, the climate of the nursery, the climate of the tree farm where the trees are to be grown, and the preferences of the retail customers.The most commonly grown species include Eastern White pine, Virginia pine, Scotch pine, Colorado Blue spruce, Norway spruce, Serbian spruce, White spruce, Balsam fir, Grand fir, Frasier fir, Canaan fir, Noble fir, Turkish fir, White fir, Blue Ice Carolina and Sapphire cypress, Leyland cypress, Eastern Red cedar, and Douglas fir. These trees have become popular because of their appearance, color, aroma, texture, or a combination of these properties. The Norway spruce, Serbian spruce, Scotch pine, and Turkish fir are not native to the United States. However, genetic variations within these species have allowed some varieties to be grown in climates that differ substantially from the climate where the species originated. The eastern white pine is native to the eastern U.S. The Colorado Blue Spruce is native to Colorado and Utah. The White spruce is native to the north-central U.S. and Canada. The Noble, Douglas, and Grand firs are both native to the northwest of the U.S. The Balsam fir is native to the northeastern U.S. The Canaan fir is native to the Canaan Valley of West Virginia. The White fir is native to California and the Southwestern mountains of the U.S. From these varied trees, Christmas tree nurseries must select varieties to propagate based on the climate of their region and the type of farms that they will be selling to.
Limitations due to type of farm
Fresh cut tree farms are generally large farms that grow trees that are cut in large numbers and sold to wholesalers who sell them to local stores and Christmas tree lots. The extended period of time that elapses from the time of cutting the tree until the retail customer takes the tree home limits the number of species of trees that can be used as fresh cut trees. These trees must be able to retain their color and their needles for long periods of time after they are cut. The most common species that are grown as fresh cut trees are Frasier fir, Scotch pine, Douglas fir, and Balsam fir. Since fir trees generally require cooler climates, nurseries that primarily propagate trees for fresh cut tree farms are typically located in the northern United States.Choose-and-cut tree farms are typically smaller than fresh cut tree farms because they sell in smaller quantities than fresh cut tree farms. They typically sell directly to the customer who chooses and then cuts his or her own tree. Since the trees are cut at the moment of purchase, the limitations of the farm are primarily due to the farm’s geographic location. Needle and color retention are much less of a concern because of the freshness of the trees. For this reason, Christmas tree nurseries that propagate trees for sale to choose-and-cut tree farms typically sell more species of trees and can be located closer to the Mason–Dixon line. Some nurseries that specialize in cypress trees are located as far south as Florida.
Limitations due to geography
The geographic location of the Christmas tree nursery dictates what species of trees can be propagated. White and Scotch pines are relatively adaptable species of trees. Because many genetically different varieties are available, they can be grown in most of the temperate areas of the United States. True firs generally prefer a much cooler climate and are primarily grown in the northern United States, with some varieties that only thrive in mountainous climates. Spruce prefer cool climates, but they will tolerate warmer conditions than most fir trees. Cypress generally prefer a warmer climate. For this reason, they are grown primarily in the southern and southwestern United States. The Douglas fir is a fairly adaptable species and can be grown in much of the United States. In addition to the nursery’s location, the type and location of farms that purchase the seedlings or rooted cuttings also plays an important role in the type of tree that is propagated.Christmas tree propagation internationally has similar issues of geographical limitation, such as in Australia where the seasons for pruning and harvest differ from the northern hemisphere. Additionally, the environment of Australia favours the growth of Pinus radiata which is no longer commonly grown in the northern hemisphere.