Christmas Tree Producer

Christmas tree producers plant, grow, shear, and harvest trees for a business. Even though Christmas trees are only bought in December, producers spend all year preparing for harvest time. The original tree is planted anywhere from seven to 15 years before it is ready to sell. Each year after Christmas, the producer evaluates his tree selection, culls those that probably will never sell, and plants new trees to be sold sometime in the next ten years.

Caring for Christmas trees is a year round project. After the trees are planted, producers are responsible for mowing between trees, keeping weeds out of the rows and away from the trees, and spraying for insects and diseases. Once the summer months hit, all trees must be sheared and shaped. The producer must ensure that all trees are properly trimmed and still maintain the full, bushy appearance that customers want.

During the Christmas season, producers must cut and tag some trees that are ready to sell. Some producers also allow families to come, pick out and cut their own tree. These producers usually also provide saws, tree shaking, and tree baling for the customer’s convenience.