Have you ever wanted to plant your own Christmas Tree and see it evolve into a blossoming Christmas Tree? Well, that is possible, but it will take time. Several people pot or grow Christmas trees with utmost love and care. An average Christmas tree growth rate is about 7 years.
Different species of trees grow into a perfect tree for Christmas. Trees like spruce, pine and Fraser fir are decorated with various ornaments, lights and beautiful hangings, which are an integral part of Christmas celebrations.
Adorned beautifully to be placed outside or inside, it can be a natural, fresh-cut, potted living tree or artificial tree. So, let us see the time needed for the growth of a Christmas tree and the factors that foster its growth rate.
1. Facts to Keep in Mind When Growing Your Own Christmas Tree
Consider these facts about its plantation, such as the tree species, appropriate environment, and the perfect season for planting them.
- A real tree needs to be sheared regularly, and the branches at the bottom should be trimmed, or base pruning should be done. This enables the tree to get a proper balance.
- A Christmas tree would take years to reach an average height. So be patient while growing your Christmas tree.
2. How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?
The growth of a Christmas Tree depends on the soil type, the nutrition it’s given, and the climate. Let us check out the requirements for growing a Christmas tree.
The best soil for growing a Christmas tree is moist and loamy. It should also be well-drained. The seedlings for Christmas trees develop best in moderate and cool temperatures.
After the tree has grown across the first year, the planted tree will not need a lot of water. The harvest time for Christmas trees depends on the type of tree that you are growing.
It is necessary to check that no weeds are competing with your Christmas trees’ nutrients. For a Christmas tree to grow to maturity, the seedling should be taken care of till you are ready to plant it. For new growth, the right environment is crucial.
However, the demands for soil and water differ for different species, and the growth rate for some is quicker than for others. So, a little research is always good.
3. Christmas Tree Farms
A large number of trees that are sold during Christmas festivities are farm-produced rather than being procured from forests. Christmas tree farms nurture and encourage bushy and cone-shaped trees that people usually prefer.
They inculcate pest control and weeding in their farming techniques. Christmas Tree farmers nurture and bring to blossom evergreen trees of several species.
You can plan a day trip yearly to a Christmas Tree farm to choose your desired tree while making it a pleasure-filled family outing.
3.1. Puddle Ford Christmas Tree Farm
Like in Puddle Ford Christmas Tree Farm, you can cut your desired tree and take it home. In the late fall, the farm is open to the public for just five weekends, and you can go there and cut down the tree you want to take home.
You can also go picnicking here while indulging in delectable beverages during pleasant afternoons. You can go to Christmas tree farms to pick up your perfect real tree.
Growing Christmas trees involves laborious efforts and is a serious business similar to agricultural crop production. Tree farm grows these Christmas trees.
3.2. Tree from Local Farmers
Local farmers grow cut-your-own trees. During the vacations, you can visit a local farmer and get your Christmas tree. The local farmers supply Christmas trees to retailers who transport and sell the harvested trees. They grow Spruce, Pine, and Fir for Christmas.
4. Most Popular Christmas Trees
The most popular Christmas trees are Balsam Firs, White Spruce, Arizona Cypress, Blue Spruce, Fraser Fir, Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, and others. Nordmann fir grows slowly, around 12-15 inches per year. The sapless Leyland Cypress is prevalent in the areas of the American South.
4.1. Fir
Fir tree grows in cool climates and fertile, well-drained soils on elevated sites. These trees grow best in zones three to six.
Well-drained soil is the best for the growth of Douglas-fir. Balsam fir blossoms have a traditional Christmas fresh scent, and their varieties may vary from region to region. Balsam Fir grows slowly and takes up to ten years to become a perfect tree.
4.2. Pine
The growth of pine trees depends on the species of pine you are growing. White Pine can be chosen if you have allergies, as their Christmas tree scent is mild and grows at about two feet a season. Scotch Pine grows slowly, with an average of up to 2.5 feet per year.
Virginia Pine is found in the areas of Virginia and Kentucky. The branches of these trees are woody and stout. The bask is similar to the pines. These trees are found in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee in the South.
4.3. Spruce
Cooler climates facilitate the spruce trees growth. However, spruce tree growth is slow, and it takes about seven to ten years to mature.
Spruce trees are stiff and have single-needle foliage with stout and thick branches that can take up heavy ornamentation.
Colorado Blue Spruce does require maintenance and has slower growth. These trees are found in the central Rocky Mountains areas of Colorado and Utah
4.4. Cedar
The Eastern Red Cedar has a unique and natural pyramidical crown. It requires low maintenance for pruning. Cedars are commonly grown in warm climates of the south. Hardiness zones. These zones let one discover the type of Christmas Tree you want to select.
4.5. Cypress
Leyland Cypress grows to about 2-3 feet annually and comes as the fastest-growing species for Christmas trees.
Cypress trees can be grown in zone 6 in cold hardiness. They would grow more than 100 feet tall at maturity. Well-draining and moist soil is ideal for these trees. The Arizona Cypress also grows fast.
5. States That Produce Christmas Tree
Christmas tree-producing states like Michigan are the third largest in variety and quantity. Christmas trees grow best in this region due to the area’s soil composition and climate.
A few that grow here are the Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, and Fraser Fir. In the Pacific Northwest, Douglas firs are harvested. North Carolina produces a large number of Fraser Fir every year.
In A Nutshell
Planting your own Christmas tree for Christmas gives happiness and contentment. The fragrance of a real Christmas tree and seeing it blossom is an experience to imbibe for the whole family.
You now know the period for going a Christmas tree, but there are other factors that affect the growth of these trees, like drainage, soil content, and care. After the festive season, you can do much more with your dearest Christmas tree.
Decorate your beautiful trees and embellish them to enliven the festive occasion. You can recycle your tree to create beautiful habitats for aquatic life for fish once the holidays are over.
Last Updated on by Arnab
