A Christmas tree is a decorated tree associated with the celebration of Christmas. People usually use artificial Christmas trees for celebrating Christmas festival. Germany is well known for the origin of the Christmas tree associated with Saint Boniface. It is an evergreen conifer tree such as spruce, fir, or pine. The Christmas tree is quite popular in Lutheran areas of Germany.
During the second half of the 19th century, it became popular among the upper class in the Baltic governorates (Osteen governorates). In 1982 the Vatican Christmas tree stood for the first time in Vatican City; earlier the Catholic Church was against the custom of the Lutheran Church.
One can calculate the popularity of the Christmas trees from the school and due to their huge popularity people wanted to teach their kids good information about Christmas trees, therefore, it often seems schools are asking students why Christmas day is celebrated! and giving them Christmas tree projects for school.
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While discussing its folkloric origins the Christmas tree is sometimes compared with the “Yule Tree”.
Christmas tree decoration
Christmas tree information – History of Christmas tree ornaments – Earlier the tree was traditionally decorated with colored paper roses, apples, wafers, tinsel (decorative material), and sweetmeats. Later ‘Moravian Christians’ began to decorate the Christmas tree with candles which were ultimately replaced by lights after the arrival of electrification. In today’s era, there is a wide variety of modern and traditional Ornaments such as
- Garlands
- Baubles
- Tinsel
- Candy canes
- Artificial star
- Artificial angel
- Gingerbread
- Chocolate
Angel Gabriel Christmas tree topper
An angel or star is usually placed at the top of the Christmas tree to represent the Angel Gabriel or the star of Bethlehem.
Angel – According to various religions, Angel is a supernatural spirit who is a servant of God.
Gabriel – According to Abrahamic religions, Gabriel is an archangel that is first described in the Hebrew Bible.
Star of Bethlehem – It is also known as the Christmas star. As per the native story of Gospel of Matthew Where wise men from the east (magi) are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem where they meet king Herod of the Judea.
Nativity of Jesus – The nativity of Jesus is also known as nativity of Christ, the birth of Christ or the birth of Jesus which is described in the biblical gospels of Luke and Mathew Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. Jesus’ mother Mary was fiancée (betrothed) to a man named Joseph.
Christmas tree history
The modern Christmas tree originated during the German Renaissance, And Renaissance is part of the northern Renaissance which is related to cultural and artistic movements that spread among German thinkers in the 15-16th centuries. It is said that Protestant Christian reformer Martin Luther added lighted candles for the first time to an evergreen tree.
The earliest known dated Representation of a Christmas tree is on the keystone sculpture of a private home in Turckheim, Alsace with the date of 1576, however, earlier Alaska was part of Germany and today it is part of France.
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Christmas tree production
33 to 36 million Christmas trees are produced in America each year moreover 50 to 60 million Christmas trees are produced in Europe per year. In 1998 it was estimated that Americans spent $1.5 billion on Christmas trees and there were about 15000 Christmas tree growers in America. Due to the increment in the popularity of Christmas trees in 2016, the figure from $1.5 billion increased to $2.04 billion for natural trees and $1.86 billion for artificial trees. In Europe, 75 million trees worth $3.2 billion are harvested annually.
Christmas tree cost USA
The average cost of a live-cut tree
- 2015 – $64 dollar in the United States
- 2017 – $73 dollar in the United States
Which tree is commonly used as Christmas tree
Christmas tree cultivation comes under agriculture, forestry, and horticulture occupation. Christmas tree farming involves growing pine trees, spruce, and fir trees to use as Christmas trees. It means a Christmas tree is a pine tree, fir tree, or spruce tree. Moreover, a wide variety of Pine trees and fir tree species are grown as Christmas trees.
The first Christmas tree farm was established in the year 1901 but the popularity started in 1930 and 1940 when most consumers started obtaining their trees from forests. Earlier, Christmas tree farming was considered viable for low-quality farmland but the perception has changed over time in the agriculture industry. For optimum yield and quality plane and slow rolling land is considerable which should be free of debris and undergrowth.
Best Christmas trees in the world
Some of the ideal and best-selling Christmas trees in the world are given below
Best Christmas trees in USA
In the United States, these Christmas trees sell well
- Doulas fir
- Scots pine
- Fraser fir
Best Christmas trees UK
Nordmann fir and Norway spruce sell well in the United Kingdom and are popular throughout Europe.
Christmas tree harvesting methods
Christmas tree farm harvesting – Pick your own tree farm is one of the most popular methods in the harvesting of Christmas trees. In this method Christmas tree growers allow their customers to roam the farm and select the Christmas tree of their choice; they are also allowed to cut the tree on their own.
Christmas tree in pot – Some farmers cultivate Christmas trees in pots with balled roots. The main purpose of potted Christmas trees is that they can be replanted after Christmas and can be used again for the following years.
Land preparation for Christmas tree
In the past farmers used to cultivate Christmas trees in low-quality land or ‘wastelands of agriculture. Later with time, Christmas tree cultivation shifted towards high-yielding cultivation and farmers started to be more selective toward Christmas farmland. Fraser fir trees are not able to grow in low-quality marginal farmland.
Christmas tree farms should be level and free of obstructions. Generally flat and rolling land with steep slopes and inclines is preferred for Christmas farming. Obstructions such as rocks, fences, and underbrush are not desirable. It is recommended to start with plowing and harrowing to label the field. At least 2-3 times plowing needs to be done in the farmland. Weed removal and picking tiny stones should be done after the plowing process.
Like other crops and plants, a Christmas tree also requires nutrients to grow well. A Christmas tree requires a specific cloud of nutrients to thrive. 16 elements are important for the growth of the Christmas tree; these elements are given below.
- Oxygen
- nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- potassium
- calcium
- sulfur
- Magnesium
- Boron
- copper
- Chlorine
- manganese
- molybdenum
- iron
- Zinc
Hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen are obtained through air and water and the rest are obtained through soil.
If the necessary elements are not available in the soil it is recommended to use nutritious fertilizers to add the presence of these elements.
Soil requirements for Christmas trees
- However, some trees grow well in all types of soil but in most cases land should be well drained for Christmas tree farming.
- Soil preference is classified depending on the type of tree plant
- Sandy or sandy loam soil – Pine trees
- Fine texture loam and clay loam soils – White spruce trees and fir trees such as Douglas fir
- How much water does a Christmas tree need
Christmas tree water requirements
Per day 1 gallon of water is required for a 6 feet tall Christmas tree. You can provide more water to more than 6 feet taller trees and less water to smaller trees. Tree watering systems can help you to maintain water schedules and quantities.
What climate do Christmas trees grow in
The best climate for Christmas trees – Acute cold in winter Extreme hot and dry conditions during and after harvesting is not considerable, it can cause serious damage to the crop. Early snow is dangerous for harvesting and shipping trees; it can make the task impossible.
Labor and equipment needed for Christmas tree farm
Christmas tree farming is labor-intensive farming. You may need a bulldozer as per your land requirement to remove obstacles such as large trees and rocks. After tree or weed removal tilling is helpful to remove any debris.
Herbicide chemical is often used for controlling weed before planting the plant. Prior to planting some types of fertilizers must be introduced to the soil. In the overall success of the Christmas tree crop, the seedlings of trees hold an important role.
Animals, pests, insects, and diseases must be monitored and controlled along with weed minimization.
Pruning Christmas tree
To maintain the classic Christmas tree shape many species of pine and fir tree require pruning 2 to 4 years after planting.
Late or omitted pruning can result in long and large gaps in needle coverage which will be unpresentable and unmarketable.
Scots pine is a species of Pine that is susceptible to yellowing in a dormant season which is countered with green dye or paint.
Best selling Christmas trees
- Best-selling real Christmas trees in America – best-selling real Christmas trees in the North American market are scots pine, Douglas fir, noble fir, balsam fir, Fraser fir (North America), Virginia pine, and eastern white pine.
- Best selling Xmas trees in Alabama – best selling live Christmas trees in Alabama are Eastern white pine, redcedar, Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, and Arizona cypress.
- Best-selling white Christmas trees – Eastern white pine
- Best Christmas trees in Florida – Sand pine and spruce pine
- Popular Christmas tree in Britain – Nordmann fir is popular due to needle holding capacity. Norway spruce, Serbian spruce, and scots pine are also popular in Great Britain.
- Best-selling Christmas tree in North America – In North America Fraser fir trees grow in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. It is called the “Cadillac of Christmas Trees” and it is the most popular and most valuable Christmas tree species.
- Best Christmas trees 2021 USA – In the Southern United States, Virginia pine is a popular Christmas tree species.
- Christmas trees in Canada – White pine, white spruce, scots pine, blue spruce, and Fraser fir tree are commonly cultivated.
- Province of Ontario – Scots pine tree
Christmas tree pests and diseases
Pests
- Balsam woolly adelgid
- Aphids
- Invasive insect species
- Pine shoot beetle
- Gypsy moth
- Fungal pathogens
Disease
- Root rot
- Sudden oak death (SOD)
- Plant pathogens (R Pseudotsuga, Rhabdocline weirii)
- R weirii affects only douglas fir trees
Birds and animal effects on Christmas tree
- Deer
- Gophers
- Ground squirrel
- Pine grosbeak
USDA Christmas tree grades
Grade
US Premium
US No. 1
US No. 2
Requirements
Fresh, clean, healthy, heavy density. 1 minor defect allowed
Fresh, fairy, clean, healthy, medium density. 2 minor defects allowed
Fresh, fairy, clean, healthy, light density. 3 minor defects are allowed.
Since 1965 Christmas tree grading systems have been in place in Ontario and included under the provincial farm products grades and sales acts.
FAQ Christmas tree questions and answers
How long does Christmas tree take to grow?
A Christmas tree needs 8 to 10 years to grow and 10 to 12 years to grow mature completely.
How long does Christmas tree last after cutting?
4-5 weeks is the period for a healthy fresh Christmas tree to last after cutting if properly taken care.
How much profit can a Christmas tree farm make per acre?
Christmas tree profit varies according to the number of trees. One can earn $14000-15000 per acre in 1 year. With a distance of 5 x 5 meters, one can plant nearly 1500 Christmas trees per acre. For a stable yearly income, most tree growers replant one-eighth of their trees every year which is 200 trees per acre. According to the American Christmas tree association, the average price of a live-cut tree is $73 in 2017, with 200 trees it will be 200 x $73 = 14600 US$.
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