Tag: Christmas trees

With the Christmas season here, and our lot filled with fresh-cut trees, our plant health care team thought our visitors might be interested in learning what is involved in growing Christmas trees. Many people may think that growing a Christmas tree is the same as finding any other tree in their yard or at a park. But the truth is, Christmas trees require particular care. So here is the process of growing the ideal Christmas tree.

Growing a Christmas tree takes a lot of time and labor. Like other plants, Christmas trees require the proper conditions that will encourage healthy growth and lower the risk of health issues as much as possible. For example, growers need to remove weeds, and the soil has to have the proper pH balance and be fertile enough for the seedlings. All of these issues need to be ironed out in advance of actually planting the tree seeds. In addition, growers need to plant the tree at the correct depth: If the trees are planted too deep, the root structure will struggle to expand and send nutrients to the tree. If they are planted too shallowly, the roots may be damaged by hot or cold temperatures and dry soil conditions.

The next step is to take care of and maintain the tree’s health. Growing Christmas trees takes a long time: up to 3 years for a transplanted seedling to establish a sound root system and around 8 to 10 years to grow to a good size. And like other plants, Christmas trees are susceptible to numerous issues that affect their health, ones that people need to look out for as the tree grows.

Pests and diseases can cause issues for Christmas trees and the people who grow them. One of the more common diseases is Phytophthora, a fungus-like organism favored by wet, saturated soils with poor drainage. When soil is too moist, certain fungus spores can germinate to produce swimming spores that infect Christmas trees and other plant roots. Affected trees initially have single branches (usually ones low on the tree) with needles that change to yellow and red-brown and remain on the tree. To prevent root rot, growers need to purchase clean, healthy tree seedlings and ensure the planting sites have suitable conditions.

Another issue that can affect Christmas trees is Swiss needle cast. Swiss needle cast is a fungal disease that results in the second or third-year needles on the lower branches of the tree yellowing or browning. The fungus typically infects trees in the summer, develops, and spreads over the fall and winter, eventually resulting in the needles dropping around late summer.

Much care is involved in growing Christmas trees. Growers need to keep a close eye on their trees and the growing fields to detect any issues early. If a grower notices any problems, they need to take specific measures depending on the situation, such as applying fertilizer and pest control. Growers also need to trim the branches to promote that classic Christmas tree shape.

If you are looking for a fresh tree this holiday season and prefer a local vendor to traveling hours to a farm that is growing Christmas trees, visit the Burkholder Holiday Market. Our holiday market offers freshly cut Pennsylvania-grown Christmas trees, such as Douglas firs and Fraser firs. We also have unique gifts for sale, and special events like bonfires for marshmallow roasting and even visits from Santa and his reindeer! Visit our holiday market today and get your beautiful Christmas tree.

Around 25 to 30 million Christmas trees are sold each year, and those households buying trees want their trees to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. An essential part of keeping holiday decorations beautiful is the thoughtful choosing and care of Christmas trees. By choosing the right tree and adequately caring for it, you can have a classic, festive Christmas tree for the holiday season. Here are some tips for choosing and caring for your Christmas tree.

If you have ever been to a Christmas tree farm or retail lots, you may know how hard choosing one can be. You have many species to choose from, and each one will have a unique appearance. So which one should you pick? Here are a few tree species that make for great Christmas trees.

The Fraser Fir is a popular species for Christmas trees in the U.S. Fraser Fir trees have strong, sturdy branches that turn slightly upward, great for holding heavy ornaments. In addition, the tree has soft, dark green needles and a mild, pleasant fragrance. Finally, the Fraser Fir trees tend to have compact shapes and sizes, so transporting them to your house is easier.

Another excellent choice for your Christmas tree is the Douglas Fir, the most popular Christmas tree species for decades. Similar to the Fraser Fir, the needles are soft, and the tree has a sweet fragrance. The needles themselves vary in color depending on the variety of Douglas Fir, ranging from yellow-green to blue-green. Branches are flexible, and the bark is thick and durable.

Another major part of the holidays is caring for your Christmas tree. Of course, we all want our Christmas trees to maintain their appearance over the holiday season, so care is needed to help them stay healthy and beautiful. Christmas trees require special, daily care to keep up their health and appearance. We have a couple of tips for the choosing and care of Christmas trees and their place in your home.

Before you go out and pick a tree, make sure that you have a good spot picked out. Ensure your tree will be away from heat sources, such as heat vents, radiators, or wood stoves. Being away from heat sources prevents the tree from drying out too quickly, which leads to needle dropping and potential fire hazards. Tall trees may need to be secured with wires to the walls or ceiling for support.

Once you have a good location in your home for your Christmas tree, measure the height and width of the space your tree will occupy. Then, make sure you take a tape measure when you pick out fresh Christmas trees. This way, you will find a tree that fits appropriately in your home. You may also want to pack a blanket or tarp and rope to secure the tree to your car, if necessary.

After you and your family have brought your tree home, place the base of the tree inside a large container or bucket of water. The tree needs to absorb water to maintain a long lifespan, and warm water is absorbed faster than cold. Warm, plain tap water is ideal for helping your tree be healthy for as long as possible.

Your stand needs to hold the trunk and contain enough water for your tree’s size. Depending on how big your tree is, your stand may need to be larger or filled more often. To know the water level your tree needs, use a quart of water for each inch of trunk width at the base. So if your tree’s trunk is 4 inches across, the stand should hold at least 4 quarts, or 1 gallon, of water.

Find the ideal Christmas tree and form memories with your family at our holiday market! When you pick your fresh Christmas tree, pick up some festive holiday gifts, share some family fun by roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate, and even get an early visit from Santa. Visit our holiday page for special event dates, or contact us.