North Central Regional Recommended Extension Publication Species for No. 479 Christmas Tree Plantings In the North Central United States

Christmas trees are an the site where it is planted. shallow. Climatic factors such important agroforestry crop in Most importantly, there must as temperature and the North Central states, with be a market for the precipitation vary throughout approximately 15 million trees species/variety grown. the region. Local growing harvested annually in the Many tree characteristics conditions are often modified region. Many of these trees which affect tree quality and by topography or the presence are sold within the state in the cost of production (e.g., of a large body of water. which they are grown. A length of production, winter Such a diversity of planting sizable proportion are sold color, stem straightness and conditions make it possible to outside the area, principally to pest resistance) vary by species commercially produce a variety retailers in the southern and and variety. Selection of the of Christmas tree species. eastern sections of the country. wrong species or variety However, such diversity While Christmas trees are commonly results in higher requires that the planting grown in every state in the production costs and/or lower conditions at a particular site region, the greatest production sale income, resulting in be evaluated and a suitable occurs in states bordering the substantially lower profit. At species and variety be planted. Great Lakes. the extreme, inappropriate As an example, balsam fir is In ~ cent years, Christmas tree species or variety selection can well adapted to moderately production and marketing result in few or no marketable well-drained soils in cool, more have become increasingly trees. northerly portions of the North competitive. The market for Successful species and varietal Central region, but will not low-quality trees has shrunk; selection for localized areas thrive in the western or in many areas it is within the region must also southern portions. Similar nonexistent. Successful recognize soil, climatic and geographic specificity exists for Christmas. tree gro~ers must A topographic differences. other species including pr?~uce h1gh-quahty tr~es.&.' '-i. Potential planting site~ in concolor fir, Douglas fir and CntICal to the ~ ~a the North Central Umted Fraser fir. prod.uction o~ high- ~~'States are extremely quahty trees is the ---~diverse. Soils in the Sensitivity to environmental selection of the proper ,, ~region vary from coarse factors also exists within species and variety .to sands to heavy clays, individual species. Scotch pine is well adapted to all states grow ~ one that will pro~uce from very well drained to a quahty marketable tree m an poorly drained and from within the North Central acceptable period of time on extremely deep to very region. However, some - IA varieties~ of Scotch pine, such Table I. Species Suitable For Use In Commercial Christmas i:ree as those originating in Spain Plantations In All Or Part Of The North Central Region (Spanish seed sources), grow well in more southerly Pine Spruce Fir Douglas fir locations but can experience severe winter injury when Austrian (Black) pine Colorado blue Balsam fir Douglas fir planted in the northern part of spruce the region. Eastern white pine Norway spruce Fraser fir As another example, Douglas Red pine White spruce Concolor fir is susceptible to late spring (white) fir frost because of its tendency to Scotch pine break dormancy early. Southwestern white pine However, there is considerable genetic variation in this characteristic and frost damage can be minimized by proper All recommended species are and growth rate vary seed source selection. hardy throughout the region. considerably. The species They are easy to establish in responds well to plantation All of the Christmas trees plantations; two- or three-year­ culture including shearing, commercially produced in the old seedlings or transplants are although considerable effort North Central region come commonly used for planting. and attention is required to from one of four main species For the most part, they produce high-quality trees. groups: pine, spruce, fir and respond well to cultural Douglas fir. Species commonly The popularity of Scotch pine practices necessary to produce as a Christmas tree has planted within each group are marketable trees and produce listed in Table I. The physical declined. Increased insect and salable trees in the shortest disease problems, a tendency characteristics of each of these time period (Table IV, p.11). species that affect their for crookedness in some Foliage density for pines is varieties and changing attractiveness as Christmas greater than for most other trees are presented in Table II. consumer preference for species, due to needle and shorter needled species have all This publication provides branch arrangement and led to decline in the numbers additional information about needle length. of Scotch pine planted. the major Christmas tree Nevertheless, its ease of species grown in the North harvesting and excellent Central region, including Scotch Pine shipping and marketing varietal characteristics and Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris), a characteristics continue to factors such as growth rate, two-needle pine native to make it the major species in form, density, color and Europe and Asia, is the most the wholesale and choose-and­ environmental tolerances. The widely planted of all conifers cut market. gro~er should evaluate all of grown for Christmas trees A number of Scotch pine the factors to determine the (Figure 1). It will grow on a species and variety to be varieties are available. Distinct · wide variety of soil types but differences among the varieties planted on particular sites, and performs particularly well o.n the decisions should relate to should be considered when well-drained sandy loam smls. selecting the variety or varieties the grower's entire Christmas Most sources of planting stock tree operation. to plant (Table III) . For are hardy throughout the example: region, but there are exceptions. Southern • No matter where they are Pines European sources will generally planted in the North Centr~l Pines are the most common not grow rapidly or develop region, varieties of Scotch pme species group planted for into high-quality trees when from northern Europe Christmas trees in the North planted in more northerly generally grow very slowly and Central United States. They areas. Seedlings of several have yellow foliage during the are characterized by a fast rate different seed sources are winter. of growth and ad~ptation.to a available; needle length, winter • Southern European varieties wide variety of smls and sites. foliage color, stem straightness of Scotch pine will generally

2 A ~~ Table II. Selected Characteristics of Species Used For Christmas Tree Production

Stiffness Shipping Freedom Needle Species Fragrance Color of Twig Qualities from Pests Retention

Scotch Good Excellent Excellent Good Very poor Excellent pine to very poor

Eastern Excellent Very good Fair Good Fair Excellent white pine

Southwest- Excellent Excellent Fair Good Good Excellent em white pine

Austrian Good Good to Excellent Very poor Fair Excellent pine very good

Red pine Good Good Good Good Good Excellent

Colorado blue Good Excellent Excellent Fair Fair Good spruce

Norway Good Good Good Very good Fair Poor spruce

White Poor Very good Very good Good Good Fair to spruce poor

Fraser Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Very good Excellent fir

Balsam Very good Very good Fair Excellent Very good Very good fir

Con color Very good Very good Good Excellent Very good Very good fir

Douglas Very good Excellent Fair Excellent Very good Very good fir

not grow rapidly or develop preference or have marketing by some nurseries, and into high-quality trees when appeal. seedling stock of certified seed planted in more northerly Often, the selection of a origin is now available. areas. particular variety of Scotch In addition to the geographic • A• number of Scotch pine pine to plant is a compromise origins identified in Table III, varieties produce crooked - selecting the variety with some nurseries offer seedlings stems, an undesirable the desired characteristics that of "local origin" or proprietary characteristic in a Christmas has the fewest undesirable varieties. Some of these tree. Such varieties would not traits. named varieties represent normally be selected unless When purchasing seed and/or original European sources that they have other desirable seedlings from seed have been renamed by local characteristics for marketing distributors or nurseries, it is nurseries. Others are seedlings purposes, such as short essential that the authenticity produced from a particular needles. of the source (varieties) be "local" seed orchard. Still • There are distinctive established. In recent years, others are specific selections characteristics of different much seed has been sold that have been based on Scotch pine varieties, such as which misrepresents the genetic and tree improvement needle length, color and original geographic origin of research. Some proprietary overall appearance, that appeal the species. Efforts to correct varieties are excellent; others, to a grower's individual this situation have been made because of the original seed

3 • Table III. Selected Characteristics of Scotch Pine From Different Geographic Seed Origin

Ecotype - Variety Growth Needle Winter Stem Winter Insect Other Rate Length Color Straight- Burning Disease Comments ness Sensi- Suscepti- tivity bility

Scandinavian - Baltic Siberia - Northern Finland, Extremely Short Very Excellent None Average Very hardy Northwestern Siberia slow yellow - North Central Slow Medium Yellow Excellent None Average Very hardy Scandinavia - Southern Norway, Slow Medium Yellow Excellent None. Average Very hardy South Central Sweden, Finland - Southern Sweden, Moderate Medium Yellow Excellent None Average Includes the Latvia common variety" Riga" - Southern & Western Slow Medium Very Very Good None Average Siberia yellow Central Europe - Northeastern Poland Moderate Medium Yellowish Good None Average - Eastern Germany, Czecho- Medium Slightly Average None Average Trunk sweep slovakia, Romania yellow is common - Western Germany, Rapid Medium Generally Slightly Slight Average Most rapid Northeastern France, ~o long green crooked growth - Belgium, Western tops difficult Hungary, Northern to control Italy - Surrey, England Moderate Medium Generally Average None Average Includes green the common variety E. Anglia Southeast Europe - Greece, Bulgaria Moderate Short to Green Somewhat None Average Trees Georgia, Former medium crooked generally Soviet Union, are coarse Turkey textured - green color Western Europe - Scotland Moderate Medium Green Good None Average Slight tendency for terminal forking - Central Massif Somewhat Short Green Poor Slight Average Bluish foliage of France slow to high · color - large stems - Northern Spain Moderate Short Green Good High High High needlecast susceptibility

4 ------source, produce low-quality Available nursery stock usually and it is often difficult· to trees even With the best of is grown from seed collected produce a quality tree with cultural practices. either in the Lake States or the · uniform density and full Southern Appalachian region. foliage. Trees produced from Southern Eastern White Pine Appalachian seed sources Seedlings produced from seed collected anywhere within the E~stern white pine (Pinus generally have longer, bluer needles; better second year natural range of southwestern strobis) is a five-needled pine white pine appear equally native to southeastern Canada, needle retention; more drooping (pendant) foliage suited for Christmas tree the Lake States and production. To date, research northeastern United States and faster growth than Lake States sources. "Typical" has not identified any south along the Appalachian individual seed source as mountains and plateau to Southern Appalachian seed source eastern white pine has a "better suited." It is northern.Georgia (Figure 2). important, however, to be sure In recent years, plantings of very distinct look; som~ growers and consumers like it, to obtain Pinus strobifonnis eastern white pine for seedlings. Christmas tree production others do not. Lake States seed have increased in response to sources in general are hardier increased consumer demand and less vulnerable to winter Other Pines and as a marketing alternative drying, especially important in to Scotch pine. northern parts of the region. Several other pines are Growers in some areas. of the occasionally grown by Eastern white pine is noted for North Central region have producers. Two of the more its rich green to blue-green observed that at least some common are red pine (Pinus color (depending on seed Southern Appalachian sources resinosa) and Austrian or black source) and fragrant aroma. set fewer buds, have "wilder" pine (Pinus nigra). Red pine is Branches are relatively weak tops and are more difficult to a two-needle pine native to the and do not support numerous shear into a quality tree. northeastern United States and or very heavy ornaments. It eastern Canada, where it is responds well to shearing, commonly found gro\Ying on although timing is more Southwestern the coarser well-drained to critical than with other excessively well-drained soils. conifers, and at maturity can White Pine On fertile soils, red pine be a very attractive, full tree. It Southwestern white pine needles are a deep green and holds its needles well and is , (Pinus strobifonnis), also called three to five inches long. Red quite resistant to premature border pine, is a native of the pine is difficult to shear and drying. mountainous regions of shape into a quality, uniformly Eastern white pine will grow Arizona and New Mexico · dense tree and does not have on a wide range of sites, but (Figure 3). It can be found in wide consumer appeal. Most best growth will occur on some choose-and-cut Christmas tree producers in moi~ , well-drained soils (Table plantations in the region, but the region will not find red IV). It will not tolerate as it is not a major species in the pine a desirable species to droughty a site as Scotch pine. wholesale industry. plant. Some choose-and-cut It has traditionally been Southwestern white pine is a operations, particularly in the considered the pine most five-needle pine very similar to northern part of the region, suited for sites with seasonally eastern white pine except its may wish to include a small wet, heavier soils. It is still needles are usually shorter, number for variety. suited for such sites in areas of darker and bluer. Its branches Austrian pine, a native of the North Central region are somewhat stiffer and it northern Europe, is a two­ where white pine root decline grows slightly more slowly. Its needle pine with dark green, (Verticicladiella) is not a site requirements are similar to very stiff needles which problem. Where root decline eastern white pine, although it average four to six inches in is a problem, eastern white seems to prefer a slightly better length (Figure 4). Austrian pine should not be planted on drained soil (Table 4). pine is also difficult to shear seasonally wet sites (the wet Southwestern white pine does and shape into a quality, end of soils classified as not respond nearly as well to uniformly dense tree, although somewhat poorly drained or shearing as eastern white pine, less so than red pine. wetter). 5 Currently, Austrian pine does made it an increasingly to identify the desired trait, not have wide consumer popular Christmas tree. and are available and marketed appeal as a Christmas tree but Needle retention by cut trees is through individual nurseries. is grown by some wholesalers the best of all spruces. In some for sale to the nursery and seed sources, the stiff% to lX­ landscape industry and by inch long needles are powdery Norway Spruce some retailers for sale as a dug blue in color, while seed Norway Spruce (Picea abies), a Christmas tree. collected from other sources native of Europe, is best results in trees with colors known for its prominence ranging from dark green to around farmsteads throughout Spruces light blue. The short; stiff the midwestern United States Spruces have commanded and foliage and rather rigid (Figure 6). Its dense, continue to command an branching habit, which make pendulous branches and important portion of the for difficult handling, do not foliage have made it a Christmas tree market. appear to decrease its component of many Historically, white spruce and popularity. windbreaks where it Norway spruce were the major Colorado blue spruce is contributes to reducing winter species. Today Colorado thought of as a relatively slow winds and accumulated snow. spruce is more important. growing, long-rotation It is also common in parks and Characteristically, spruces are Christmas tree species. cemeteries, due to its attractive more site demanding and Growth is usually slower than shape and easy culture. slower growing than most that of either Norway or white Needles on Norway spruce are pines. Their short, single­ spruce. However, Colorado dark green and range from %to needle foliage is somewhat blue spruce can grow 1 inch in length. Trees achieve stiff; their thick, stout surprisingly fast when quality acceptable growth rates when branches support heavy transplants are planted and planted on a wide variety of ornaments. While the needle plantations are properly soils (Table 4). Like most retention of cut trees is not as managed and include effective spruces, growth in the first few good as for pines, their weed control and fertilization. years following planting is pleasing symmetry and Although adaptable to a wide slow; once established, growth appearance have helped variety of sites, growth is can be quite rapid. usually most rapid on well­ maintain their popularity. The popularity of this species They have been widely drained sandy loam to silty loam soils (Table 4). for Christmas tree production planted throughout the. has declined considerably region, reflecting their Colorado blue spruce will because of its coarse adaptation to several different tolerate heavier and wetter appearance and poor needle sites and soil types. They soils than many other retention once cut. Aside from respond well to plantation Christmas tree species. In limited local markets, it is not cultural practices necessary to some areas it may be the only recommended for commercial pr~duce high-quality trees. high-quality single-needle Christmas tree production. conifer that will grow on the When Norway spruce is grown lower, wetter sites with heavier for a cut Christmas tree, Colorado Blue soils. On many sites, harvesting should be done as including those with coarse, late as possible. Spruce sandy soils, Colorado blue Colorado blue spruce (Picea spruce will require fertilization pungens), also called Colorado to obtain the desired growth spruce or blue spruce, is a and color. White Spruce Rocky Mountain species that White Spruce (Picea glauca), Recommended seed sources has been widely planted native to the northern Lake include selected locations in States and southern Canad?, throughout the eastern United Colorado, Arizona and New States for ornamental as well has been widely planted for Mexico. Several origins have Christmas tree production in as Christmas tree purposes been identified because of a (Figure 5). Its naturally the past (Figure 7). Its particularly desirable pleasing symmetry and attractive natural shape, short characteristic such as color. attractive blue foliage have stiff needles ( ~- to %- inch) and These origins are often named 6 ------~·&.

Recommended Species for Christmas Tree Plantings In the North Central United States

Figure 1. Scotch pine represents the most widely Figure 2. Eastern white pine responds well to planted species throughout the North Central shearing to produce an attractive tree with uniform region. When managed intensively, marketable foliage. Its soft foliage and symmetrical branching trees can be produced within 7 to 8 years. habit contribute to its pleasing shape and popularity.

7 ~ ------

Figure 3. Southwestern white pine is characterized Figure 4. Austrian pine can be managed to produce by attractive blue-green foliage. It is not widely an attractive Christmas tree. Its stiff foliage and planted because of difficulty in developing trees strong branches make it particularly desirable for with full, uniform foliage. flocking.

Characteristic Colorado blue spruce needle/twig pattern

Figure 5. Colorado blue spruce is widely planted Figure 6. Norway spruce has been widely planted throughout the region. Its attractive foliage and for ornamental purposes. Its popularity as a pleasing natural symmetry contribute to its Christmas tree has declined due to poor needle increasing popularity as a Christmas tree. retention.

8 Figure 7. White spruce has attractive foliage and a Figure 8. Spartan spruce is new in the Christmas pleasing natural shape. While popular in some tree industry. This hybrid between Colorado blue choose-and-cut operations, it is less commonly spruce and white spruce is characterized by the planted for the wholesale market. bluish color of blue spruce and the soft foliage and faster growth rate of white spruce.

Figure 9. Fraser fir has become an increasingly Figure 10. Balsam fir has long been the traditional popular Christmas tree in the past several years. Its Christmas tree in northern areas of the United attractive foliage, fragrant aroma and excellent States. This native species grows well in plantations needle retention characteristics have contributed to where management provides adequate fertility and increases in annual plantings. freedom from competing vegetation. 9 Figure 11 Canaan fir has been successfully Figure 12. Concolor or white fir grows well in established in plantations in portions of the North plantations if effective weed control is present. Its Central region. It is well adapted to somewhat long, silvery-blue needles, combined with excellent poorly drained soils and to areas where late spring fragrance, contribute to its increasing popularity. frosts occur.

Characteristic Douglas fir needle/twig pattern.

Figure 13. Douglas fir of Rocky Mountain seed origins will grow satisfactorily in many areas of the North Central states. It is characterized as a symmetrically shaped tree which has soft, fragrant foliage.

10 ...... excellent blue-green to whitish one time, but little is planted includes dark green and gray-, blue-green color have today because of its slow silver- or bluish-green. undoubtedly contributed to its growth rate and strong As a group, firs are well suited popularity. It is, however, not tendency to lose needles once to moderately fertile to fertile, being planted as widely as in cut. well-drained soils on upland the past, primarily because of Serbian spruce (Picea omorika), sites. All species need poor needle retention. Needle a native of southern Europe, is relatively high soil fertility and retention by white spruce is a well-shaped spruce with may require fertilization to better than Norway spruce, but relatively soft needles which produce acceptable growth still not satisfactory for most are green above and bluish and quality. All species but consumers. below, somewhat limber balsam require a well-drained White spruce will grow on a branches, and often a slightly soil. Balsam (including fairly wide range of sites, drooping appearance. It has Canaan) grow best on well­ including those with been more widely planted for drained soil, but will perform somewhat poorly drained soils, use as an ornamental than as a reasonably well on moderately but develops best on well­ Christmas tree. Like most well drained and better drained upland loam to silt short-needled spruces, needle drained to somewhat poorly loam soils (Table IV). retention on cut trees is fair to drained soils. Most of the firs Although results from seed poor. are also susceptible to late source trials are limited, Spartan spruce (Picea glauca x spring frosts and should not be plantings in the northern pungens), a hybrid between planted where air drainag~ is North Central region will Colorado blue spruce and poor or in "frost pockets.'' probably be most successful white spruce, is a recent using seedlings and transplants introduction to the Christmas grown from southern Ontario tree industry (Figure 8). This Fraser Fir sources. However, white hybrid combines the color and Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri), spruce seedlings and needle retention of Colorado sometimes called southern transplants from identified blue spruce with the growth balsam fir, is native to high seed sources are not common. rate, form and soft foliage of elevations in the central and As a result, growers generally white spruce. Although southero. Appalachian plant and produce satisfactory considerable variation within mountains from Virginia to trees from whatever planting the hybrid exists, planting Tennessee (Figure 9). Typical stock is availab~e. One stock is available commercially needles are 7f- to %- inch in common use source of white and commercial Christmas length, dark green on the spruce is Black Hills spruce, tree plantations have been upper surface and silver to named for the outlying white established. bluish on the lower surface spruce population in western (caused by the presence of two South Dakota. white bands). Branches are True Firs moderately stiff. Like balsam Other Spruces· All of the true firs planted for fir, Fraser fir produces a Christmas tree production in pleasant "balsam" odor. Several other species of spruce the North Central region have Fraser fir can be successfully which have been used for soft, flattened (in cross­ grown throughout much of Christmas tree production, section) needles which are the North Central region, including black spruce (Picea borne singly along the sides of although in the southern part mariana) and Serbian spruce twigs and branches. Firs are of the region it may be limited (Picea omorika). Black spruce, characterized by a pleasing to the cooler, moister north­ native to· the wetter sites in the fragrance and a natural, to-east-facing slopes. Site northern Lake and New symmetrical, cone-shaped selection is critical for Fraser England States and Canada, form. Needle length varies fir; it requires a well-drained resembles white spruce but has with species, ranging from% soil (Table 4). It will not shorter needles and smaller inch to 2 inches. Foliage color tolerate wet soil conditions, cones. Black spruce was is variable by species and even for a short period of time. planted extensively for within some species, and Similarly, it does not tolerate Christmas tree production at dry or draughty conditions

11 well. Plantings of Fraser fir Today it is an important balsam fir to the north; Fraser should, therefore, be limited to plantation species, but is fir at higher elevations in parts sites which are not excessively recommended only for the of Virginia, Tennessee and exposed and which contain northern portions of the North Carolina; and Canaan fir loam or heavier, well-drained region: Balsam fir begins at higher elevations in parts of soils. Fraser fir has excellent growth early in the spring. In Virginia and West Virginia. winter hardiness with a the southern part of the As would be expected, Canaan tendency to break dormancy region, it will repeatedly be fir is quite similar in late in the spring, thereby killed back by late spring appearance to balsam and avoiding_ some of the frost frosts. Fraser fir. Some trees look very problems associated with other Balsam fir growth and much like balsam fir, while firs. development is acceptable on others look like Fraser. Most Few variations in well-drained and moderately have characteristics that grade characteristics such as growth well-drained soils. As with between balsam and Fraser. In have been identified due to Fraser fir, large transplants (at general, the needle~ of Canaan seed origin. Greater survival, least 2-2 or 2-3) should be fir are bluer and often better growth and higher planted. Balsam fir responds somewhat longer than those of quality trees will be produced well to fertilization; effective Fraser fir. if large transplants are used to weed control is essential for Canaan fir has two extremely establish plantations. high-quality trees. important characteristics. It Transplants should be at least Stock that has been produced will tolerate wetter soils than 2-2 or 2-3, with good stem from local sources is Fraser fir and it appears to be caliper and well-developed recommended. Selections more resistant to spring frost root systems. reflecting needle injury than either balsam or configuration, color and Fraser fir. Research and grower natural form are available. experience suggest that Canaan Balsam Fir Most of these selections have fir can be grown on well­ Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) is resulted from species drained, moderately well­ native throughout much of improvement work in New drained and imperfectly Canada, the Lake states, England and adjacent areas of drained soils. These two Pennsylvania, New York and Canada, but this stock is characteristics make Canaan fir the New England states (Figure adapted to North Central a possible species for planting 10). In the northern portion region conditions. on the less than well-drained of the region, it grows with soils in the southern North white spruce in natural stands Central region - soils too wet on upland sites. In southern Canaan Fir for Fraser fir and where balsam portions of its natural range, it Canaan firl (Abies balsamea fir is repeatedly damaged by occurs around the edges of var. phaner9lepis), also spring frost. swamps and in river sometimes called West Virginia flootlplains. Balsam fir fir, is found in the mountains resembles Fraser fir in of West Virginia and Virginia Concolor Fir appearance and form. The (Figure 11). There is evidence Concolor or white fir (Abies individual needles tend to be to suggest that, during the last concolor), native to the lighter in color, often with a glacial period (Pleistocene), a mountainous and northern blue cast on the upper surface, continuous fir population regions of the western United and they lack the distinct existed from Canada south States, is characterized by long white banding on the along the Appalachian silver-blue needles (Bf to 2~ underside (Figure 10). mountains to Tennessee and inches long) which grow in an Balsam fir has enjoyed North Carolina. As the upswept position along the widespread popularity as a climate warmed, firs in the twigs and branches (Figure 12). traditional Christmas tree. In Appalachian mountains were Needle retention, natural tree the past, many trees were replaced by other species at form and fragrance are harvested from natural stands. the lower elevations, isolating excellent, contributing to the lBrown, J.H. 1983. A "new" fir for Ohio Christmas tree planting. Ohio Report Ouly-August): 51-54

12 reputation of concolor fir as a evaluate these species on a "Orchard-type" sites are ideal, premier Christmas tree species. small scale before undertaking with north- to east-facing Concolor fir will grow best in the establishment of large slopes preferred. Successful the northern parts of the plantations. plantations have been grown region, although it will survive on other slopes. and grow in other areas. Intensive management is Although growth rates are Douglas Fir necessary to grow quality thought of as slow, this often Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga Douglas fir Christmas trees. reflects poor site selection or menziesii), is not a true fir, but Good weed control is essential. inadequate cultural practices a fir-like species native to a Fertilization prior to planting rather than inherent broad geographic area in the may be necessary on some characteristics of the species. western United States and sites. Fertilization to improve Like other firs, concolor fir Canada. In the North Central growth, color and density may grows best on fertile, well­ United States, when grown on also be necessary or desirable drained soils. Its tendency to good sites with intensive on many sites. Douglas fir break dormancy early in the management, Douglas fir can responds well to shearing. spring makes it susceptible to develop into a premier They are well formed with late frosts. Areas with poor air Christmas tree with very high densities in excess of ninety drainage and low frost pockets consumer appeal. Its%- to 1%­ percent. Improper manage­ should be avoided when inch flattened, flexible needles ment will result in poor planting concolor fir. are borne singly along the survival, slow growth and very For plantings in the region, slender twigs and tend to be low-quality trees. Few tree transplants (2-2 or 2-3) grown dark green above and pale species penalize growers for from seed from central Arizona green to bluish on the lack of proper management as sources have been shown to underside (Figure 13). Needle much as Douglas fir. develop into quality trees. retention by cut trees is Geographic seed origin is These trees tend to grow faster excellent. Prominent, pointed, extremely important when than trees from other regions reddish-brown terminal buds selecting Douglas fir planting and are less susceptible to assist in identification. stock. Seedlings grown from winter injury than trees from When grown in the North seed collected from the West more southerly sources. Trees Central region, Douglas fir is a Coa_st are unsuited to from more northern sources very site demanding species conditions in the North have not grown as rapidly and one of the most Central region. Among when planted in the eastern challenging to grow. Best interior sources there is United States. · survival and growth will be considerable variation in obtained on medium textured, . growth rate and susceptibility well-drained soils (sandy loam to spring frost. Seedlings Other Firs to silt loam) with moderate to grown from seed collected in Several other true fir species high fertility. While Douglas southern Colorado, Arizona suit Christmas tree production fir can be grown successfully and New Mexico are generally on the better sites in the on some sites with soils suited to the region. Many of region. They include noble fir classified as somewhat these southerly seed sources (Abies procera) and grand fir excessively drained, it does not are named after national (Abies grandis) from the tolerate either excessively wet forests. In the northern part of western United States, or dry soils, nor does it the region, seedlings grown Nordmann fir (Abies perform well when planted in from seed collected in nordmanniana) from Asia heavy soils. Under most northern Idaho and British Minor and Nikko fir (Abies conditions, moderately well­ Columbia grow almost as fast homolepis) from Japan. drained soils will be too wet and are less susceptible to frost Acceptable planting stock is for acceptable performance. injury. With all of these seed not readily available for these Douglas fir is sensitive to late sources, rotations of 7 to 9 species, but a few nurseries spring frost injury and should years are possible, whereas offer limited amounts of stock. not be planted in frost pockets rotations approaching 20 years Growers are advised to or areas with poor air drainage. may be necessary using other seed sources. It is

13 Table IV. Site And Cultural Aspects Which Should Be Considered When Selecting Species For Christmas Tree Plantings . Site Characteristics (Requirements) Average Length Species of Rotation (yrs) Soil Soil Air Drought Fertility Type Drainage Drainage Tolerance Requirements

Scotch Pine Sand to Loams Moderate Moderate Good Low 7-9 Eastern White Sandy Loam to Moderate Moderate · Fair to Moderate 7-8 Pine Clay Loam Good Southwestern Sandy Loam to Good Moderate Fair to Moderate 8-10 . White Pine Clay Loam Good Austrian Pine Sand to Loams Good Moderate Good Moderate 7-9 Red Pine Sand to Sandy Good Moderate Good Moderate 7-9 Loam Colorado blue Sandy Loam to Moderate Moderate Good High 8-12 Spruce Clay Loam Norway Spruce Sandy Loam to Moderate Moderate Good Moderate 8-10 Clay Loam White Spruce Loam to Clay Moderate Good Good Moderate 8-11 Loam Spartan Spruce Sandy Loam to Good Good Good High 8-10 Clay Loam Fraser Fir Sandy Loam to Excellent Moderate Poor High 8-12 Clay Loam Balsam Fir Sandy Loam to Moderate Good Poor High 8-12 (including Clay Loam Canaan fir) Concolor Fir Sandy Loam to Moderate Excellent Poor High 8-12 Clay Loam Douglas Fir Sandy Loam to Excellent Excellent Poor High 8-12 Clay Loam

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14 •~a ------~ recommended that transplant and/or varieties with the sites Sites with characteristics just stock (2-1 or 2-2), rather than and soils available. If more outside the recommended seedlings, be used when than one species is adaptable range are sometimes suitable. establishing Douglas fir for to a particular site, species Such experimentation, Christmas trees. characteristics can determine however, should be done on a which should be planted. The small area. information in Table IV To remain competitive in the A Final Word provides general guidelines to natural Christmas tree The species discussed in this species:site relationships. industry, it is essential that publication offer the Christmas Although a particular species growers produce trees of the tree grower in the North can be grown on sites other highest quality. Correctly Central region a large selection than those identified, under matching species and/or from which to choose. While most circumstances, the variety to site characteristics is individual species survival, growth and/ or tree an important step in achieving characteristics should be · quality will be diminished. this objective. considered for marketability Growers are encouraged to and consumer demand, it is experiment to determine most important that growers suitable property sites for match individual sp~cies producing a particular species.

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15 M.R. Koelling North Central Regional Extension Publications are .subject to peer review and prepared as a DepartinentofForestry part of the Cooperative Extension activities of the thirteen land-grant universities of the 12 North Central states, in cooperation with the Extension Service-U .S. Department of . Michigan State University Agriculture, Washington, D.C. The following states cooperated in making this publication Randall B. Heiligmann available. School of Natural Resources University of Illinois Ohio State University *Michigan State University Ohio State University Ag . Publication Office Publications Office Room 1OB Ag Hall 69 Mumford Hall 385 Kattman Hall East Lansing, Ml 48824-1039 Urbana, IL 61801 2021 Coffey Rd . 517-355-0240 217-333-2007 Columbus, OH 43210-1044 614-292-1607 *Publishing state

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Issue~ in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Cooperative Extension Services of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin, Gail Imig, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, o· Michigan 48824 . . Printedon Rf:!Cycled Paper November 1993 New 11 :9~- SOL-Price $1 .50, for sale only, FILE:24.47 (Forestry)

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