How to Grow Christmas Trees in Washington State

The Pacific Northwest produces almost one-third of the total crop of Christmas trees in the United States.

Christmas tree production in Washington state is a booming business. But why should you depend on the large tree farms when you can simply grow them yourself? Like most plants, Christmas trees require hard work and time to mature. If you are willing to put in the energy to growing a tree on your own, it is possible. With knowledge of the right environmental conditions and care for the tree, you can produce a healthy Christmas tree in about seven years.

Things You'll Need

• Hoe
• Soil sample
• Nutrients
• Shovel
• Water
• Soil test
• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Choose a site to plant the Christmas tree. Douglas firs, Noble firs and Grand firs grow best in Washington. These trees require full sun and well-drained, deep soil with a pH between 5.1 and 6.5. Eastern Washington generally has better soil for Christmas tree production than the west. Prepare the soil before planting by cultivating it with a hoe to remove competing weeds and plants. Take a sample of soil to your local extension office. An extension agent can get you started correctly by testing the soil and telling you which nutrients are deficient. To improve your soil, mix these nutrients into the soil as recommended on the packages.

2. Plant Christmas tree seedlings in late winter or early spring. During this time of year the Washington climate will encourage the seedlings to grow. Using a shovel, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and at a depth the same height as the root ball. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill the soil around the root ball, keeping the young tree upright. Tamp the soil around the base of the tree.

3. Water the seedlings, keeping them moist but not soaking wet until they begin to grow on their own. When established, the trees need 25 inches of rainfall or irrigation a year in Washington, concentrated mostly over the dry summer months.

4. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the fall. At this point and every subsequent fall until harvest, a soil test may prove useful to determine which fertilizer to use. This will tell you which nutrients your soil lacks, affecting the color and vigor of your tree.

5. Prune the tree in late winter with pruning shears, starting in its third year. Start with a basal pruning, which prepares the trunk for Christmas tree stands. For every foot of the tree, cut two inches of branches from the trunk of the tree. Cut also the leader, which is the branch pointing out of the top of the tree, so only 10 inches remain sticking above the tree. Shear the tree to retain shape from the time it reaches 2 feet tall to when it reaches maturity.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for common diseases such as root rot and foliage fungi. Also, inspect your trees carefully for aphids, which are the Christmas tree's most harmful pest in Washington.

References

• Washington State University Cooperative Extension: Crop Profile for Christmas Trees in Washington
• Pacific Northwest Extension: Growing Christmas Trees in the Pacific Northwest
• Oregon State University: Christmas Tree Management Nutrient Guide