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Forestry & Wildlife Resources

Growing And Marketing Christmas Trees In South Carolina

Overview

Published: Feb 18, 2025

Approximately 25 to 35 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States, and about 400,000 are sold in South Carolina. Real trees are chosen by buyers who prefer purchasing a natural and renewable product and have the experience of visiting "choose and cut" Christmas tree farms or retail lots to select a tree. Although most Christmas tree varieties are grown in the northern and western United States or Canada, South Carolina Christmas tree farms sell about 40,000 to 50,000 state-grown trees annually. Most of these are sold on "choose and cut" farms since nearly all South Carolina-grown species do not do well when precut and shipped to retail lots. Species unsuitable for production in South Carolina, such as spruces and firs, are often imported from other states, including North Carolina, and made available for sale at "choose and cut" farms.

Producing quality trees is not an accident. It requires careful planning, dedication, and significant labor. The primary considerations in Christmas tree culture are:

  • Available personal time,
  • Proper species selection,
  • Proper site selection for tree production and adequate space for business operation,
  • Financial inputs, including insurance, equipment purchase and maintenance, and cost of intensive cultural management,
  • A thorough marketing plan,
  • Delayed financial returns following Christmas tree farm establishment.

The dividends for a conscientious Christmas tree grower can be great, as economic returns can exceed 100 percent of the required investment.

The Christmas tree grower in South Carolina has distinct opportunities in local, regional, and national markets. Several suitable native tree species can be grown, such as Virginia pine, eastern white pine, and eastern red cedar. Non-native species and cultivars, such as Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, and Carolina Sapphire, have become popular in the state. The long growing season in South Carolina favors the rapid development of Christmas trees and reduces the total growing period compared to the northern states. Also, South Carolina's mild winter climate makes harvesting trees enjoyable for consumers who want to "choose and cut" their trees. Given these advantages, quality Christmas trees can be grown profitably in South Carolina and sold at lower prices than imported trees.

This publication provides information for prospective growers and describes the steps necessary for successful Christmas tree production in South Carolina. However, growing Christmas trees is not a "get rich quick" scheme. Potential unforeseen costs in producing marketable trees must be thoroughly investigated. Growing Christmas trees is a labor-intensive type of farming. Six years is generally when Christmas tree growers begin to market their trees. Following the basic steps outlined in this publication, modified by local conditions and personal experience, a new grower can expect a reasonable amount of success with this venture.

Species For South Carolina

Many tree species in South Carolina have been grown for Christmas trees with mixed results. Researchers are constantly seeking new and improved species, varieties, and cultivars. The following are currently recommended for planting in South Carolina.

Virginia pine

Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) is particularly attractive as a Christmas tree species because the numerous, persistent, stout branches hold decorations well. The foliage does not dry out quickly, and the needles stay on the tree long after it is cut if adequately watered. Marketable Virginia pines can be grown in 5 to 7 years; on good sites, many trees can be harvested in 4 years. It is an excellent choice for South Carolina growers.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Virginia Pine

Eastern white pine

Eastern white pine (P. strobus), one of the more desirable Christmas tree species, occurs naturally on the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains and can be planted by South Carolina growers in the Piedmont and Midlands areas. It grows well on various sites with good internal and surface soil drainage but does not do well on deep sands or other dry sites. Eastern white pine retains its needles well while in use, and its foliage is uniquely blue-green. The species responds well to shaping and requires only one shearing each growing season. Marketable trees can be grown in 6 to 9 years.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Eastern White Pine

Eastern redcedar

The popular eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) can be included in the acreage planted by Christmas tree growers in South Carolina. Although there is limited demand for cedar trees, some buyers prefer them since they have used native redcedars as Christmas trees since childhood. Redcedar requires only light shearing to achieve a tapered form. The tree is pleasantly scented. One disadvantage is that the foliage of some redcedars turns reddish- or bronze-colored in winter. However, spraying with a green colorant can quickly correct this off-color condition. While redcedar can be grown on most soils, it grows better on heavy clays than the other species recommended in this publication.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Eastern Redcedar

Leyland cypress

Leyland cypress (x Hesperotropsis leylandii) is a widely planted landscape tree throughout the Southeast and has gained popularity as a Christmas tree species. Its naturally narrow crown requires less shearing than many other conifer species, but proper shearing is necessary to maintain a single leader and produce a well-formed tree. It grows best on well-drained upland soils with a clay subsoil. Leyland cypress is not fragrant. It is suitable for buyers with allergies since it is a sterile cross between two other species, Alaska cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis) and Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), and therefore does not produce pollen. It has a green to dark blue-green color and needles that are retained if properly watered following cutting. Its flexible limbs are best suited for lightweight decorations and garlands. Marketable trees can be grown in 3 to 6 years.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Leyland Cypress

Blue Ice cypress

Blue Ice cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica 'Blue Ice') is one of the newest Christmas tree species grown in South Carolina and is a cultivar of Arizona cypress. As its name implies, it has distinctive blue foliage. It grows best on well-drained soils, is one of the most heat-tolerant species, and is moderately drought-tolerant. Blue Ice cypress is preferred by buyers who want a fragrant tree, but its compact, columnar form and dense branches limit interior decorations. Its foliage will dry out more quickly than other species, even with consistent watering, and therefore, it is recommended for cutting within a few weeks of Christmas. Marketable trees can be grown in 3 to 6 years.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Blue Ice Cypress

Carolina Sapphire cypress

Carolina Sapphire cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica 'Carolina sapphire') is another cultivar of Arizona cypress that is gaining popularity as a Christmas tree. Its foliage is silvery-teal blue, and its shape is more rounded than that of a Blue Ice cypress. Blue Ice and Carolina Sapphire share similar characteristics, including a pleasant fragrance.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Carolina Sapphire Cypress

Clemson Greenspire cypress

Clemson Greenspire cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica 'Clemson Greenspire') is also a cultivar of Arizona cypress and shares similar characteristics with Blue Ice and Carolina Sapphire, including a pleasant fragrance, fast growth rate, and soft foliage. However, its foliage is yellow-green, and its crown is broader than that of Blue Ice and Carolina Sapphire.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Clemson Greenspire Cypress

Murray cypress

Murray Cypress (x Hesperotropsis leylandii 'Murray'), a newer cultivar of Leyland cypress, is also an option for South Carolina's Christmas tree growers. Its strong limbs are ideal for buyers who decorate with heavy ornaments, and its foliage is dark forest green. It can tolerate a wider variety of planting sites than Leyland cypress and has a sturdier stem and root system. Its improved resistance to diseases and pests commonly found in the Southeast will continue to increase its popularity for growth as a Christmas tree.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Murray Cypress

Green Giant arborvitae

Green Giant arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant'), a hybrid of western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and Japanese arborvitae (Thuja standishii), is another option due to its greater disease resistance than Leyland cypress. It has fragrant dark green, dense foliage and a pyramidal growth form. Green Giant can be grown on various soil types but does best on moist sites. It is moderately drought and heat tolerant. Like Leyland cypress, marketable trees can be grown in as little as three years.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

Green Giant Arborvitae

Precut fir trees

Fir trees are among the most popular Christmas trees in the United States. As a group, they require cold winters and cool summers, a temperature regime found only in the mountainous areas of South Carolina. Because of this, balsam fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, and Douglas fir are some species that research and experience have shown are undesirable for Christmas tree production in South Carolina. However, retail and choose-and-cut lots often stock and sell precut firs from out-of-state farms. Like the firs, spruce species require a different temperature pattern than typically found in South Carolina. Some areas in Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, and Spartanburg Counties may be suited to this group of trees. Still, growers run the risk of tree loss during times of drought and unseasonably high temperatures.

Fraiser fir at a retail lot
Image provided by David Coyle, Clemson Extension

Fraiser Fir at a retail lot

Site Selection

Selecting a proper site is crucial for a successful Christmas tree operation. When choosing a site, growers must consider species selected for planting, marketing options, slope, soil type, security, and competing vegetation. How strongly a factor influences the site selection depends upon personal concerns and local conditions. The method of marketing trees influences site location because each marketing system has specific requirements. When trees are sold individually in the field, as in a choose-and-cut operation, the grower needs access to major roads or urban areas to attract buyers. An all-weather parking area of at least an acre or parking spaces equal to 5-10% of the expected number of trees to be sold should also be located near the farm entrance. Wholesale operations where Christmas trees will be cut and shipped to retail lots will require access for medium to large trucks. The farm should have an adequate processing area where cut trees are measured and baled.

The best site for a Christmas tree plantation should have deep, fertile soil on a moderately level site. However, in most cases, the decision to grow Christmas trees will be made only based on whether the selected site will grow a tree. On infertile or low-quality soil, it may take an extra year or two to produce the same high-quality trees that can be grown on fertile soil. Soil drainage is also essential, as Christmas trees require moderately well-drained soils, and production can be limited on droughty and wet sites. Growers must also consider slope when making their site selection. Slopes over 10% can be hazardous for machinery operation and present erosion problems.

Sites selected for Christmas tree production should be reasonably secure from the risk of fire, theft, and vandalism. Fire can destroy an entire plantation, and special precautions are required. Besides the protection practices discussed in a later section, the grower can protect against human-caused fire simply by locating the plantation away from high-risk areas, such as campgrounds and neighboring homes. Reducing tree loss to theft and vandalism is more difficult but can be partially accomplished by good planning during site selection. As with fire, the grower should locate the plantation away from high-risk areas. Controlled access to the field of trees will discourage some theft, as will locating the area where fields are visible to growers or other property users.

Another consideration in proper site selection is the existing vegetation. Planting the seedlings on a site free of competing grasses, herbaceous plants, and woody species is extremely important. An abandoned field or old pasture is often an ideal site, and controlling competition is an expense that is well justified before planting seedlings. If desirable site features are associated with an existing wooded area, removing the trees to create a Christmas tree field is an option. However, growers must consider the cost of site preparation in the final analysis to determine the benefit gained by timber harvesting and land clearing.

Preparing The Site

A Christmas tree site must be cleared and leveled for efficient working conditions. Control of competing vegetation to allow planted Christmas tree seedlings to become established and grow is critical. Competing vegetation can cause poorly formed or low-quality trees since it takes site resources (e.g., sunlight, soil moisture, and nutrients) away from the planted trees. Directing available resources to the Christmas trees through proper management will result in a healthy plantation with trees maximizing their growth potential.

Abandoned fields or pastures are the easiest to prepare for tree planting and future management practices. Brushy vegetation can be eliminated using a rotary cutter (bush hog) or flail mower with follow-up chemical or mechanical treatments. Approved herbicides can also be used in site preparation when grasses and weeds dominate the area. A band application of herbicides will give satisfactory control at a reasonable cost, allowing seedlings to be planted in the treated areas. Growers should avoid creating and maintaining bare soil between planted rows of trees since this can create erosion issues and reduce soil moisture.

Before site preparation, soil samples should be taken from the new Christmas tree field. These can be submitted to the Clemson University Agricultural Service Laboratory by dropping them off at any Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service county office, where they will be shipped and processed for a small fee. Lime and fertilizer should be incorporated into the soil during site preparation if recommended. Fertilizer should only be applied if the soil sample results indicate a deficiency. Excess fertilizer can stimulate the growth of competing weeds and grasses when small tree seedlings are the most vulnerable to competition for water, sunlight, and growing space. Also, it is possible to get excessive height growth compared to lateral limb growth with over-fertilization.

Spot or band application of recommended fertilizer will benefit planted seedlings the most. Recommended fertilizers should be applied in a 3-inch-wide band, 6 to 8 inches from the stems of established seedlings. Fertilizer can also be applied in a 2 to 3-foot diameter circle around the stems. All fertilizer should be kept at least 6 inches away from the base of the trees since direct contact can be harmful. The timing of fertilization is determined by the nutrients that are recommended for the soil amendment, as well as the application amount.

On former agricultural land and certain soil types, surface soil compaction and hardpans should be addressed before planting. If a hardpan exists, using a subsoiler in a grid pattern in both directions across the planting site will improve internal soil drainage and root penetration. Thoroughly disking the site is recommended in the fall before planting to loosen the soil and reduce surface compaction. This timing is essential to allow the soil to settle before tree planting and provide good root-soil contact for the seedlings. Subsoiling and disking should be followed by harrowing to smooth and level the site.

Forested lands are more difficult and expensive to prepare for Christmas tree production. The grower may realize some financial gain from the sale of timber, but land-clearing costs may exceed the value of the timber. After the site is harvested, the stumps should be removed, and the site should be plowed and leveled. Since mechanical site preparation, such as stumping, can accelerate erosion, plowing should always be done on the contour, and sites with slopes over 10% should be avoided.

Finally, plantation design should be considered during site preparation. Planting rows should be laid out to follow the contour of any slope. Both square and diamond planting patterns are used, with the spacing between rows determined by equipment size. Each planting unit should have ready access for any equipment used during cultural practices, protection, or harvesting. Straight rows are desirable for ease of cultural operations and harvest and are the most aesthetically pleasing for buyers during tree selection.

Planting Stock

Growers should select high-quality planting stock for Christmas trees to minimize labor problems in the future with growth and form. Liners may be purchased from state-owned or private nurseries, and when possible, the planting stock should come from a source in the same geographic area as the planting site. Growers can contact the Real Christmas Tree Board for a listing of commercial dealers or suppliers. Information on planting stock may also be obtained from Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service county agricultural agents and specialists or South Carolina Forestry Commission personnel.

A prospective grower should order seedlings well in advance of the planting season. Often, all planting stock of Christmas tree species may be sold out by late summer. The planting season extends from the average date of the first frost to the average date of the last frost. Seedlings from state-owned nurseries are typically available from December through March, while seedlings from private nurseries can be requested from late fall to early spring. Seedlings should be planted as soon as possible after they arrive if there is adequate soil moisture. When necessary, seeding bundles or bags should be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight and wind and protected from freezing temperatures. Seedlings packaged in bundles rather than bags must be watered periodically and elevated slightly for proper drainage. If the storage period is longer than two weeks, seedlings can be "heeled in" to the soil.

Planting The Stock

Proper design and planting procedures are critical for creating a productive Christmas tree farm. Spacing should be dictated by the tree species, size of mowing machinery, and the slope of the land. Spacings over 6 feet do not fully use the planting area but may be necessary when using regular farm equipment. Spacings closer than 5 feet do not allow trees to develop branches near the base, mowing between rows, or for proper shaping. The number of trees required on a per-acre basis for different spacings are as follows:

Proper Spacing By Acre
Spacing in Feet Number of Trees per Acre
5 by 5 1,742
5 by 6 1,452
6 by 6 1,210
6 by 8 908
7 by 7 889
6 by 10 726
8 by 8 681

Square or diamond spacings are necessary if the field will be mowed in both directions. Trees may not properly develop on unmowed sides without using herbicides to control competing vegetation. Square or diamond spacings simplify checks for insects and diseases and pesticide application. Finally, these planting designs provide a better appearance for buyers at harvest time, which could mean extra profit for the grower.

Before planting, small or diseased seedlings should be culled. Planting weak seedlings results in poor survival or poor-quality trees. The seedlings can be planted by machine or hand. A dibble or planting bar is commonly used for hand-planting young seedlings. A planting bag, tray, or bucket is needed to carry seedlings. Keeping tree roots moist at all times cannot be emphasized too strongly. Cold, windy days occur often during the planting season, and exposure to the wind for only a few minutes will dry out seedling roots and result in poor survival. Seedling roots should be covered in containers with wet sphagnum moss, mud, peat moss, or other suitable material to keep them cool and damp.

Christmas tree growers have the option of block planting or interplanting when they begin subsequent rotations of trees. In block planting, saleable trees are cut out of the field over 1 to 2 seasons. The field is then cleared of any remaining trees, stumped, thoroughly disked, and the soil augmented before replanting with new seedlings. This method allows the grower to apply all maintenance practices, including pest treatments, to trees of the same age and approximately the same size throughout the life of the stand.

Growers with smaller acreages where space is a limiting factor will often interplant for subsequent rotations. In this practice, seedlings are planted in field openings created after trees are harvested, creating uneven-aged stands. While this practice does optimize the stocking of trees on the farm, it can create challenges for the grower. First, maintenance treatments for trees, even the same species, vary by age. Rates for insect and disease control applications can differ depending on the size of the tree. Also, on a choose-and-cut farm where trees are not pre-tagged for sale, buyers can cut trees that are too young and should be included in another year's harvest. Finally, young seedlings mixed in among full-grown trees can be damaged by equipment during treatment operations or harvesting since they may not be visible to operators and can be damaged by visitors as they cut down adjacent trees.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

A seedling or sapling will grow into a good Christmas tree only when given proper care after planting. Certain cultural and protective steps must be taken to produce quality trees. Among these operations are:

  1. Irrigation
  2. Nutrient management
  3. Weed management
  4. Pest and disease management
  5. Shaping
  6. Protection

Irrigation

A successful Christmas tree farm can be developed without a dedicated irrigation system. However, a grower is likely to have less difficulty in establishing and finishing a Christmas tree crop when able to reliably provide supplemental water. In recent years, extreme weather events like sudden droughts and excessive heat have become more common. Newly transplanted Christmas tree seedlings and saplings are susceptible to high mortality rates during prolonged hot, dry conditions if not irrigated. Additionally, droughts will reduce the overall growth rate and quality of mature Christmas trees, potentially resulting in costly harvest delays.

There are several methods to provide supplemental irrigation to trees, each with advantages and disadvantages. The simplest method is hand watering from a water tank or truck. It is relatively precise because individual trees can be irrigated as needed. This method has low initial costs but is labor intensive, especially for larger plantings and operations.

Another option is overhead irrigation, e.g., traveling gun systems, solid set irrigation pipes, or center pivot systems. These systems make it relatively easy to deploy water in larger operations but are less precise and more wasteful through evaporation and the watering of non-crop areas (row middles and field borders). These systems, depending on size, can range from relatively affordable to quite costly and require access to a high-volume water source. Also, foliage wetting from overhead irrigation often results in higher disease pressure and could lead to significant foliar disease and root rot problems.

Drip irrigation is the third irrigation option. Drip systems can be highly customized to deliver precise amounts of water to where it is most needed—crop tree roots. These systems, while requiring a relatively high initial cost, offer the best of both worlds (precision and efficiency) and require minimal labor to operate when properly designed and deployed. Further, drip systems can be used to deliver fertilizers (and in some cases pesticides) to the crop as needed.

With any of the above systems, access to a reliable, quality water source is essential. Carefully consider available options including groundwater wells, surface sources (ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers), and municipal water, as well as the distribution infrastructure that they require. Your local Cooperative Extension office or a reputable agricultural irrigation supplier can help you properly identify, size, and design the best system for your operation.

Soil Nutrient Management

Since the value of Christmas trees is primarily based on their appearance, fertility should be optimized for the best growth and health of the crop. Overfertilization can result in excessive growth that may require additional labor for shaping and increased pest and disease susceptibility. Because every crop and field is unique, the only way to ensure optimal fertility is by monitoring through periodic soil testing and plant tissue testing.

Site preparation prior to planting is the ideal time to make major adjustments to soil pH and fertility, particularly if soil immobile nutrients like phosphorus and calcium are deficient. After planting and establishment, maintenance fertilization may be necessary. Monitor fertility through soil testing every other year following establishment and apply recommended fertilizers in split applications. The first application should occur about two weeks prior to spring budbreak (typically early-March), and the remainder in May. Splitting the application ensures optimum uptake and utilization and minimizes salt injury that could occur during hot, dry conditions.

Weed Management

Unchecked weed growth in a Christmas tree plantation can result in poor tree survival and poorly formed trees. Weeds compete for nutrients and moisture and increase tree susceptibility to pests and diseases. Weeds also shade out young or small trees and can cause poor form and a thin appearance.

Weed management can be achieved using mechanical or chemical means or a combination of the two. Mowing provides good control of weeds between the rows but typically does not reach weeds right next to the tree. Cultivation gives good weed control the first year after planting but should be avoided thereafter because of possible tree root damage.

Herbicides may be used to control weeds that are not cut by the mower, but should not be used to eradicate all the vegetation for environmental reasons. Apply herbicides either in a band or in small circles (12 to 14 inches in diameter) around each tree. These practices will direct the herbicides to where they are most needed and will usually reduce the number of mowings required. Several active ingredients (AIs) can be effective in Christmas tree farms, but be aware of the mode of action, as some AIs have residual soil activity that could impact crop trees. Be cautious of herbicide drift contacting tree foliage, as some products will cause damage that may reduce marketability or possibly kill the tree. Contact your local Clemson Cooperative Extension Agent or a South Carolina Forestry Commission forester for appropriate herbicide recommendations. Always remember that the label is the law, and you must read the label on each pesticide container before each use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and obey all cautions and warnings.

After the third growing season, crop trees should have developed to the point where they shade out competing vegetation near the tree stem. However, continued mowing throughout the rotation is necessary because:

  1. working conditions will be improved with short between row vegetation,
  2. lower, lateral limbs will be more fully developed,
  3. pest and disease problems are easier to detect and control,
  4. harvesting trees is easier with shorter surrounding vegetation.

Pest and Disease Management

Many types of insects, mites, and diseases can damage Christmas trees. Individual or isolated attacks are hard to prevent, but large-scale damage can often be prevented. As with any pest, early detection is key to preventing damage, so regular inspections are key. Healthy trees are less susceptible to pest attacks, and good management can reduce the incidence of pests in a plantation. Selecting seedlings from reputable sources will also reduce the chances of planting diseased stock. Controlling pests early reduces later losses. While a multi-faceted integrated pest management (IPM) plan that includes chemical and cultural controls, coupled with a diverse landscape, would likely be the most economically and ecologically effective way to manage pests, in some cases regular pesticide treatments may be required.

When a problem does occur, accurate identification of the pest is critical, and your local Clemson Cooperative Extension Agent or a South Carolina Forestry Commission forester can help identify the pest and recommend control measures. Below are several insects, mites, and diseases that are commonly encountered in South Carolina Christmas tree farms in South Carolina. Pest species will be limited to those affecting common Christmas tree species listed in the Species for South Carolina section.

The Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana) is a pest of Virginia pine. Adult moths lay their eggs on pine needles, and the larvae first feed in the needle and eventually bore into the shoot tip, resulting in tip mortality. Up to four generations can occur each year in South Carolina. Pheromone traps can help determine the best time to apply insecticides to the tree to reduce damage. Infested shoots can be removed by hand, but this may impact tree form.

Image provided by David Coyle, Clemson Extension

Nantucket pine tip moth

Pine sawflies (Neodiprion spp.) are pests of all pines. Adults are a type of stingless wasp, and their larvae typically feed on new needle growth. Their defoliation can be substantial, even impacting entire trees. Larvae are gregarious, meaning they feed in a large group. If found early, they can be removed by hand. Several contact insecticides are effective against sawflies.

Image provided by David Coyle, Clemson Extension

Pine sawflies

Adult regeneration weevils (Hylobius pales and Pachylobius picivorous) feed on the tender bark on shoots and branches of pines, and this feeding can result in shoot or branch mortality. Adults lay their eggs on freshly cut stumps and larvae feed on the stump and structural roots left behind. One way to reduce the chance of regeneration weevil damage is to delay planting after harvesting, which helps reduce the usability of stumps for weevil larvae. Treating seedlings with a systemic insecticide prior to planting can provide multiple years of protection from adult weevil feeding, and several contact insecticides will also reduce weevil damage.

Image provided by Robert L. Anderson, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Adult regeneration weevils

Two adelgid species are sap-feeders on white pine, including the pine bark adelgid (Pineus strobi) and pine leaf adelgid (Pineus pinifoliae) . The pine bark adelgid appears as a small, fluffy, white tuft on stems and branches where it inserts its mouthparts and sucks fluids from the tree. Damage can appear as foliage yellowing, witches' brooms, or black sooty mold. This pest can be managed by applying horticultural oil in late winter before budbreak. Pine leaf adelgids attach to both branches and needles, and cause similar damage (yellowing, sooty mold) as well as occasional shoot dieback. Horticultural oil or systemic insecticides are effective control methods.

Pine bark adelgid
Image provided by Petr Kapitola, Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture, Bugwood.org

pine bark adelgid

Pine leaf adelgid
Image provided by Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org

pine leaf delgid

Cinara aphids (Cinara spp.) are large sap-feeding insects that typically do not cause significant damage to white pine trees, though their feeding can lead to needle discoloration due to sooty mold that grows on the waste the extruded. More commonly, they are pests in homes, as they tend to hide deep inside the branches and foliage of a cut tree and become active once the tree is inside a home, leading to large black insects crawling all around. If spotted prior to the tree sale, a broad-spectrum contact insecticide will eliminate them.

Image provided by Enlil2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cinara aphids

Pine spittlebugs (Aphrophora parallela) are known for the white, frothy mass they produce as a protective "bubble" as they feed on fluids in pine shoots. These insects are easily identified via scouting, and they can typically be pruned out by hand. They are rarely a problem but may cause discolored foliage and branch dieback in heavy infestations.

Image provided by Herbert A. 'Joe' Pase III, Texas A&M Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Pine spittlebugs

Bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) are a pest of many different tree species, including cedars, cypress, and arborvitae. Bagworm larvae create small protective enclosures that look like upside down Christmas trees. These bags are made from plant material the larva gathers from the tree on which it is feeding. Bagworm defoliation can permanently disfigure or kill many different species of trees, especially conifers. Bags can be removed by hand, or insecticides (such as those containing Bt, Bacillus thuringiensis) can kill the feeding larvae if applied to foliage they eat.

Image provided by William Fountain, University of Kentucky, Bugwood.org

Bagworms

The juniper webworm (Dichomeris marginella) can be a pest on cedars, and the feeding and webbing created by larvae can result in masses of webbed, dead needles. Feeding by larger larvae or high populations can seriously damage cedars. While many natural enemies typically keep populations in check, several broad-spectrum insecticides are also available for control.

Image provided by Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Bugwood.org

juniper webworm

Arborvitae leafminer (Argyresthia thuiella) larvae feed inside the foliage, causing discoloration and death of the affected areas. Sometimes, the entire end of a shoot may be affected. Feeding damage typically appears in mid- to late summer. Moths can be controlled by an application of a broad-spectrum insecticide in early summer, when adults are active. Dead shoots can be pruned out, and these should be destroyed as larvae are likely still inside the foliage.

Image provided by Matt Bertone, NC State University

Arborvitae leafminer

Several species of scale insects [e.g., juniper scale (Carulaspis juniperi),  minute cypress scale (C. minima), and Maskell scale (Lepidosaphes pallida) ] feed on Leyland cypress trees. These small sap-feeding insects are immobile as adults and may look like little bumps or spots on needles. Their feeding causes discoloration and reduced growth. Scales are best treated during their "crawler" stage when the newly-hatched insects are mobile – during this time they are susceptible to several insecticides. Identifying the scale species can help determine optimal timing for insecticide application.

Minute cypress scale
Image provided by Matt Bertone, NC State University

minute cypress scale

Certain mites (which are more closely related to spiders than insects) can cause damage on Christmas trees grown in South Carolina. White pines are susceptible to eriophyid rust mites (Nalepella spp.) , which cause a bronzing or rusty appearance on the needles as a result ofbecause of mite feeding, and  spruce spider mites (Oligonychus ununguis) can impact cypress trees where they cause a speckled appearance on foliage. Damage by mites is caused by the pest feeding on the fluids inside the needles. Management typically includes miticides applied at the proper time.

Eriophyid rust mites
Image provided by Rayanne Lehman, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

eriophyid rust mites

Spruce spider mites
Image provided by Matt Bertone, NC State University

spruce spider mites

Several fungal diseases can be particularly troublesome on red cedar trees grown in Christmas tree plantations in South Carolina. These include Phomopsis tip blight (Phomopsis juniperovora), Cercospora twig blight (Cercospora sequoiae var. juniperi), and cedar-apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) . Tip and twig blight affects small branches and needles, respectively, causing discoloration and mortality of those tissues. Cedar-apple rust, as the name suggests, needs two plant hosts to complete development: cedar (Juniperus spp.) and an apple or crabapple (Malus spp.). Symptoms on cedar trees appear as brown, roundish galls that develop on small twigs and needles. In spring, especially after a rain event, the galls will "sprout" bright orange spaghetti-like growths. Removing the alternate host (apples and crabapples) from around the Christmas tree plantation can help reduce the likelihood of disease, and fungicides can also reduce disease presence.

Phomopsis tip blight
Image provided by Robert L. Anderson, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Phomopsis tip blight

Cedar-Apple Rust
Image provided by David Coyle, Clemson Extension

cedar-apple rust

Cypress trees in Christmas tree plantations are susceptible to several diseases that affect roots, stems and branches, and needles. Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora spp.) is typically seen in areas with poor drainage, as the causal organism moves through water. The disease destroys tree roots, causes dark cankers in large roots or the stem, and leads to the entire tree turning brown, wilting, and eventually dying. Improving drainage is the only effective management tactic.

Seiridium canker (usually caused by the fungus Seiridum unicorne) causes dark lesions or cankers that are often accompanied by oozing sap. These cankers can cause branch dieback, but they can be pruned out to prevent further spread. Botryosphaeria blight (Botryosphaeria dothidea) also causes branch dieback, but a key difference is that needles easily fall off the branch when affected by Botryosphaeria compared with Seiridum, in which needles typically hang onto the branch. Preventing these fungal diseases through proper tree care is the best management strategy, as increasing stress on trees can increase their susceptibility to canker diseases.

Image provided by David Coyle, Clemson Extension

Seiridium canker

Passalora needle blight (Passalora sequoia) causes needle browning and death that slowly moves up the tree. Allowing adequate air flow around trees and fungicides can help reduce blight presence. Lophodermium needle cast (Lophodermium seditiosum) causes needle discoloration on Virginia pines, as this fungus causes the current year's needles to die and brown from the tips inward. Affected needles can fall off, and fungal fruiting bodies (which are shaped like little footballs) release spores in summer, which can be blown up to the tree to restart the infection cycle.

Lophodermium needle cast
Image provided by Robert L. Anderson, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Lophodermium needle cast

Shaping

Shaping Christmas trees is the most important cultural practice in producing marketable trees, and it consists of shearing and pruning. Shearing is the light clipping of new growth on limbs near their ends to achieve a conical shape with the correct taper and desired needle density. Pruning is cutting terminal leaders, double stems, or lateral limbs to maintain a single vertical stem. Both practices promote bud development. All species grown in South Carolina require some shaping. Starting in the second year, most species require some pruning or shearing twice a year until harvest.

The first step in shaping a tree is to appraise its form, determine its proper taper, and develop a single straight main stem with appealing symmetry and balance. Taper is the relationship of the width of the tree at its base to its height, with a desired taper of two-thirds for most Christmas tree species. For example, a 6-foot-tall tree should have a width of 4 feet at its bottom branches. For all species, the tree should be sheared by lightly clipping any lateral limbs needed to get the correct taper. The speed and proficiency with which the grower shears the trees are directly related to experience.

Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

a grower using hedge trimmer to shear a Christmas tree

At some time during the first two years, seedlings also need to be basally pruned, removing the bottom branches up to 8 inches above the ground. The bare stem, called the "handle," allows for maintenance around the tree's base in the field, handling at harvest, and fitting into a tree stand.

Eastern redcedar may be the easiest tree to bring to acceptable Christmas tree form, requiring only a few light periodic shearings of lateral branches. It tends to form double stems and the weakest one should be pruned as soon as it is noticed. Pruning the terminal leader is not recommended until the desired tree height is reached to prevent the tree from becoming too full and short.

Virginia pine requires at least two shearings per year. Unlike most Christmas tree species that only have a single growth flush per year, Virginia pine can flush several times depending upon growing conditions. Because of this, Virginia pine may be cut all the way back to old wood and still produce new growth. However, this practice can be avoided by using proper shaping techniques during the proper season. Shaping begins by cutting the terminal leader to 8-12" at a 45o angle. This will ensure that only one of the fascicular buds (buds at the base of a group of needles) will dominate and continue to grow as the terminal leader. The topmost set of side branches, or whorl, below the leader on the pine species, is then pruned to about half the length of the leader. Shearing should be done when the needle length of new growth reaches about one-half the length of the needles from the previous flush. The first shearing should be completed by mid-May and the second shearing by mid-August. Growth after this time may not be adequate to cover sheared limbs, especially if the tree will be harvested that season.

Eastern white pine requires pruning from the second year until harvest. Although it only needs shearing once a year, care must be taken to shear at the right time. Pruning should start when the needles on the terminal are fully elongated but before the stems turn woody. Pruning new growth controls the distance between branches and the thickness of the tree because it stimulates bud development.

Leyland cypress and its cultivar Murray cypress may require pruning soon after planting to remove multiple leaders. Shearing is usually started during their second growing season and proper shearing will help maintain the form of these fast-growing species. It can be done from late spring through late summer, with the final shaping before harvest recommended by mid-to-late August.

The cultivars of Arizona cypress (Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, and Clemson Greenspire) may also require pruning after planting to develop a central leader. Shearing twice a year to remove outer shoots will help create the desired taper. Cypress cannot add new growth to old wood and pruning too aggressively can lead to a poorly formed Christmas tree. Blue Ice has a more columnar form than Carolina Sapphire and requires proper horizontal shearing to get desired shape.

Green Giant arborvitae is one of the fastest growing coniferous species and can grow 3 to 4 feet in height a year. This species is naturally pyramid-shaped and only requires light shearing to maintain its form. Desired height growth can be established by removing up to one-third of the tree's main leader.

Tools

Traditionally, tools used for shaping Christmas trees were hand shears for pruning limbs, hand pruners for clipping individual shoots, and 16" to 20" shearing knives for shearing the entire tree. Small trees can still be worked with hand shears or pruners, but many growers have shifted to gas-powered hedge trimmers or rotary pruners in recent decades. These tools provide faster, more efficient shearing of larger trees, extending the reach of the grower when shearing and reducing the need for ladders in the field. Work gloves provide a better grip on tools and leg protection is recommended when using any sharp tools.

All tools should be kept in proper operating conditions and all cutting blades sharpened as needed. Sanitizing pruning and shearing tools is also required to prevent the spread of diseases between trees when outbreaks are present on a Christmas tree farm. This is done by wiping, spraying, or soaking the tools in an appropriate disinfectant solution.

Hand shears and hand pruner
Image provided by Janet Steele, Clemson Extension

hand shears and hand pruners

16" to 20" shearing knife
Image provided by BrushKing

A Brushking shearing knife

Gas-powered hedge trimmers
Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

hedge trimmers

Rotary pruners
Image provided by Jaime Pohlman, Clemson Extension

rotary pruners

Protecting Christmas Tree Plantations

Fire can destroy an entire plantation in a matter of minutes, but it is often the easiest loss factor to prevent. These few simple steps can help protect any Christmas tree plantation:

  • Locate the fields away from high-risk areas, e.g., roadsides, adjoining houses or buildings, etc.
  • Break the field up into small units and keep a clean fire lane around each area.
  • Keep the grass mowed and prevent the thatch from accumulating, especially next to the trees.
  • Maintain some firefighting equipment for immediate use in emergencies, including small tank sprayers filled with water, and hand tools for creating a fireline such as rakes.

The loss of trees through theft can have a large impact on a grower's profit for the year. Some theft will invariably occur but can be minimized by proper site selection and some security. A plantation which can be seen from a house or other farm facility is less likely to be the object of thievery than one which is isolated. Sturdy fencing, locked gates and controlled access will also limit the loss of trees. Trail or game cameras have also become a popular way to monitor property ingress and egress by absentee landowners and growers.

Harvest

Preparing Trees For Harvest

Many trees change color in the fall because of cold weather and short days. Virginia pine can have a yellowish appearance and eastern redcedar can turn reddish or bronze colored. The appearance of "off-color" trees can be vastly improved for marketing by using green colorants. These colorants are dyes which do not harm the living tree and consumers usually do not object to an artificially colored tree because they prefer one with attractive green foliage. Most Christmas tree growers in South Carolina will spray current crop of trees with colorant in early fall before the first frost.

Harvesting Christmas Trees

Although one of the easiest parts of a Christmas tree operation, harvesting does require a certain amount of care. Trees at "choose and cut" farms can be cut with small bow saws or small chainsaws. For the larger grower shipping trees to a wholesaler, a horizontally mounted circular saw operated by tractor power may be more economical. Christmas trees should be cut as close to the ground as possible. Sometimes a grower can create a better-quality tree by cutting a higher stump to eliminate openings or misshapen limbs near the base of the tree. If a handle was not created early in the tree's culture, trimming some lower limbs at harvest time will be necessary so that the tree can be placed easily in a stand.

Record-Keeping And Taxes

For any business activity it is important to keep good records. There may be different records needed by the business such as management plans, production reports, harvest totals, employee records, financial statements, taxes, and others. They are all important and may be needed at different times. For this section we are primarily focused on records for financial and tax purposes.

While a specific system is not required, it is important to determine a way in which you will organize this information. Making sure all costs of the activity are accounted for and that revenues are recorded appropriately are two of the most important tasks. Often equipment and other capital items must be purchased up front, and these are important to track for several reasons. First, depreciation can have a significant impact on the amount of profit that gets reported by the business, and second, subsequent disposition of capital assets are treated differently than ordinary income. Having a formal set of records where each transaction is classified appropriately is critical. Make sure original documentation is kept in case any questions arise regarding these transactions. This could include folders and cabinets where original source documents are kept or using electronic files along with backups on your devices.

One of the most important factors for Christmas tree growers is being able to establish, track, and deplete basis. Basis is essentially the owners' amount of investment in the trees. This determines how much gain is made on the subsequent sale of the trees and the amount of profit reported for tax purposes. The costs to establish the trees will be held in a "planting / establishment" account. This includes items such as land preparation, fertilization or site improvement, pesticide applications, labor, tools, depreciation, and trees / seedlings used to establish the stand. After trees have been established, the "growing period" costs such as fertilizer, pest and weed control, shearing, interest, depreciation, and labor can be treated as annual deductible expenses if the operator is "materially participating". Recordkeeping can be a significant factor in establishing that the owners are materially participating. A spouse's contribution of time and work in the activity can be counted towards the owners own material participation (this can be important considering the family-friendly nature of Christmas tree operations). If the taxpayer is not a material participant, annual costs are deducted against passive income or when the trees are sold. Either way the growing period costs will be kept separate from the planting / establishment costs.

When sales of trees are made, costs such as harvesting, baling, hauling, and labor are expenses deducted as part of the sale. You will have the sales price of the trees and deducted from that will be depletion of the "establishment" account, "growing period" costs (if applicable), and the related sales expenses. The difference between the sales price and the deductions will determine the amount of taxable gain. If the trees are older than 6 years when sold, they can qualify for capital gains treatment under Internal Revenue Code Section 631. Capital gains treatment provides a lower tax rate on the sale of the tree(s) and avoids self-employment tax. To receive this treatment, the trees must be considered "timber" for tax purposes. Under this election the sale of trees ends up being reported on IRS Form 4797. Any ordinary income and all deductible expenses would be reported on the IRS Schedule F form.

Christmas tree farmers, like many other agricultural enterprises, may encounter significant weather events that destroy all or a portion of their planted Christmas trees. Naturally the question arises whether there are any tax breaks for these types of scenarios. First, it must be considered a casualty loss meaning it was an event that was sudden, unexpected, and unusual. Typically fires, floods, earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes are considered casualty events. Insects, drought, and disease typically do not qualify because they do not meet all three criteria of being sudden, unexpected, and unusual. If the Christmas tree grower experiences such an event, it is important to document the event itself (newspaper clippings, articles, weather reports) and document the condition of the stand before and after the event. This does not need to be elaborate but is important for verification purposes. For casualty events, the deductible loss is the lesser of the adjusted basis (in the trees) - or - the reduction in the fair market value (FMV) before and after the casualty event. Typically, the adjusted basis is going to be the limiting factor as the basis is usually lower than the decrease in FMV. If the taxpayer qualifies for a casualty loss, they may take the loss in the current year or the prior year if the area has been federally declared as a disaster area. Claiming the loss in the prior year allows taxpayers to amend the previous year's return and (potentially) receive any tax benefit more quickly. The loss would be reportable on IRS Form 4684 and for Christmas tree businesses will then go to IRS Form 4797. Taxpayers in an area qualifying for disaster relief may also receive extra time from the IRS to file returns and pay taxes. Again, recordkeeping of the operation will be critically important for making these determinations.

The following list of resources may be of interest to you. We are providing this solely for educational purposes. We encourage you to work with a trusted tax professional regarding your operation.

Economics of Growing Christmas Trees

TABLE 1. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A MARKETING SYSTEM
FACTORS TO CONSIDER CHOOSE AND CUT (DIRECT SALE TO CONSUMER) GROWER RETAIL LOT (DIRECT SALE TO CONSUMER) SELL TO RETAILER SELL TO WHOLESALER
All cut trees are sold YES NO YES YES
Transportation required NO SOME VARIABLE VARIABLE
Labor requirement HIGH HIGH LOW LOW
Liability insurance essential YES YES NO NO
Licenses and permits needed NO YES NO NO
Selling price per tree HIGH HIGH MEDIUM LOW
Lighting necessary NO YES NO NO
Parking space necessary YES YES NO NO
Access to trees All-weather road required High traffic area required - -
Security problem SOME YES LITTLE LITTLE
Field condition Scattered trees remain At discretion of grower Can sell in blocks and remove all trees Can sell in blocks and remove all trees
Quantity of trees per buyer Usually one Usually one Up to a few hundred Any number
Doller return per hour MEDIUM HIGH HIGH MEDIUM

TABLE 2. PRACTICES AND WORK-HOUR REQUIREMENTS TO GROW 1 ACRE OF CHRISTMAS TREES 1
PRACTICE Year 1 Hours Per Acre Year 2 Hours Per Acre Year 3 Hours Per Acre Year 4 Hours Per Acre Year 5 Hours Per Acre Year 6 Hours Per Acre
Land Preparation 2 3
Planting 12
Chemical Weed Control 4 4 4 4 4 4
Mowing 3 8 8 8 8 8 8
Fertilizer, Insects & Diseases 6 6 6 6 6 6
Shaping 4 3 6 10 16 16
Coloring 6
Harvesting 30
Other (records, prep., time, mgmt. 7 7 7 7 7 7
Hours Per Year 39 28 31 35 41 77
Cumulative Hours 67 98 133 174 251
  1. Plant 1,200 trees; harvest 800.
  2. Preparation time for clearing land. Uncleared land may cost several hundred dollars per acre to prepare.
  3. Mowing is in one direction only. Herbicides are used to control weeds within rows.
  4. Time based on shearing with a hand-held mechanical pruner.
TABLE 3. TIME REQUIREMENTS BY MONTH TO GROW 1 ACRE OF CHRISTMAS TREES 1
MONTH Year 1 Hours Year 2 Hours Year 3 Hours Year 4 Hours Year 5 Hours Year 6 Hours
January 3
February 13 1 1 1 1 1
March 1 1 1 1 1 1
April 4 3 4 4 4 4
May 3 4 6 8 12 12
June 3 3 4 4 4 4
July 3 3 3 2 3 3
August 1 6 5 6 8 8
September 5 3 3 5 5 5
October 3 3 3 3 3 8
November 1 1 1 1 1 1
December 30
Hours Per Year 39 28 31 35 41 77
Cumulative Hours 67 98 133 174 251
  1. Plant 1,200 trees; harvest 800.
TABLE 4. PRODUCTION COSTS FOR 1 ACRE OF CHRISTMAS TREES 1
PRACTICE HOURS2 Year 1 Dollars Per Acre Year 2 Dollars Per Acre Year 3 Dollars Per Acre Year 4 Dollars Per Acre Year 5 Dollars Per Acre Year 6 Dollars Per Acre
Land Preparation (Machine Cost $18/Hr.) 3 3 96
Fertilizer & Lime 150 60 80 80 80 80
Seedlings ($1,150/M) 1380
Planting 12 168
Chem. Weed Control (Chemicals $30/Yr.) 24 86 86 86 86 86 86
Mowing (4 Times / Yr.; Machine Cost $15/Hr.) 4 48 232 232 232 232 232 232
Shaping (Year-Hours; 2-3; 3-6; 4-10; 5-16; 6-16; Pruner $5/Hr.) 5 51 57 114 190 304 304
Insects & Diseases (Chemicals $50/Yr.) 6 36 134 134 134 134 134 134
Coloring (Materials and Equipment $.30 / Tree) 6 324
Harvesting (Equipment, Shake, Cover) $30 30 450
Other (Records, prep., time, mgmt., etc.) 42 100 100 100 100 100 100
Annual Cost 2346 669 746 822 936 1710
Interest – Current Year, ½ of annual cost 117 33 37 41 47 85
10% - Previous Costs 243 338 450 581 738
Cumulative Cost 2435 3380 4501 5814 7378 9911
  1. Plant 1,200 trees; harvest 800.
  2. Labor cost $14.00 / hr.
  3. Preparation for cleared land. Uncleared land may cost several hundred dollars per acre to clear.
  4. Based on mowing in one direction and using herbicides to control weeds within rows.
  5. Time / cost based on shearing with a hand-held mechanical pruner.
  6. Equipment cost for fertilizer, weed, insect, and disease control included here ($50/Yr.).

Sources Of Assistance

Several agencies and organizations in South Carolina can provide information on producing Christmas trees. The South Carolina Christmas Tree Association (SCCTA) is made up of experienced and new growers. This association promotes the exchange of information on cultural and marketing practices. Potential growers can gain invaluable information from the association. Other sources of information are county Clemson University Extension Services offices, Extension foresters, forest pathologists and entomologists at Clemson University, and offices of the South Carolina Forestry Commission.