
See ae 
Seotch Pine plantation seven years old and ready to bé cut. 
Species 
The most desirable species to plant for Christmas Trees de- 
pends upon several factors. First, and probably most important 
to be considered, is the quality of the soil; second, is the local 
demand for a certain species of tree; and third, is the question 
of economy of production. 
™® Pines are generally considered to include all the long 
needled varieties of Christmas trees. They can be most econom- 
ically produced of all planted trees. (1) Their hardiness enables 
them to thrive on hilly, stony or poor land which is unsuited 
for other agricultural purposes. (2) They flourish in practically 
all climates. (3) Most varieties will tolerate low moisture con- 
tent. (4) Their growth is more rapid than that of any other 
tree used for this purpose, allowing them to be marketed within 
5 to 8 years after planting. (5) They require no cultivation. 
Although comparatively new on the market, they are be- 
coming more popular each year. Their advantages over wild 
trees are so outstanding that customers demand them in any 
markets where they are available. 

Bundled Christmas Trees leave plantation by team and wagon. 
Standing trees will be left for timber. 
(1) All pines hold their needles for several months after 
being cut. 
(2) If seedlings grown from the best strains of seed are 
used, beautiful, compact, premium trees are produced. 
(3) Pine trees always present a fresh appearance and pleas- 
ant fragrance. 
(4) Due to the heavier branches, this type of tree is es- 
pecially easy to decorate. 
10 
Trees of this type will always command the highest prices. 
Banks, Red, Scotch, Austrian and White Pine are the species 
most often planted for Christmas Trees. While they require 
no cultivation, it hasbeen found that when planted in par- 
ticularly good soil, they will grow too fast to develop into 
bushy, symmetrical trees. Under these conditions pruning or 
shearing is often desirable in order to produce quality trees. 
This is a simple procedure which is explained later. 
m@ Spruces are characterized by short, shiny needles, and, 
when properly spaced, develop thick foliage and heavy 
branches. Various types of Spruce have been offered on the 
Christmas Tree markets for years. These have been wild trees 
taken from the northern woods, and, in general, are very much 
inferior to planted trees. Because they grow too close together 
and do not receive sufficient sunlight, they are often spindly, 
open and one-sided. However, bushy symmetrical, quality 
Spruce will always be very much in demand as living and cut 
Christmas Trees as well as for ornamental use. They will also 
command premium prices. 
Norway and White Spruce are the varieties usually pre- 
ferred for Christmas Tree planting, although Blwe Spruce, 
while slower growing, is unsurpassed for beauty. 

Two stages in the process of bundling trees with the ‘‘Musser 
Christmas-Tree Baler’? for the wholesale market. Trees are 
bundled, one to six trees per bundle, according to size. 
Spruce will grow in all temperate climates. It requires rich 
moist soil and normal drainage. It can be grown successfully in 
partial shade or full sunlight. The species are slower growing 
than the Pines, requiring 7 to 10 years to reach marketable size 
Due to the fact that the needles begin to shed within a few 
weeks after cutting, Spruce cannot be harvested for Christmas 
Trees too early. It is easily bundled, and does not require prun- 
ing, except following seasons of unusual growth. All varieties 
may be used for Christmas Trees. 
m Firs are short needled and somewhat similar to the Spruces 
in appearance, although they may be distinguished by their 
flat needles and upright cones. They prefer moist soil which 
is kept cool by shading from the sun. Douglas and Balsam have 
been used as Christmas Trees for years. Balsam is particularly 
favored for its delightful fragrance. The facts related above 
as to the handling of Spruce apply to Firs, except that Firs 
should be planted in the extreme northern states only. 
Plant Several Species 
A mixture of species in the same plantation is the most de- 
sirable method of planting. With a variety of species to offer, 
you will undoubtedly make additional sales. Also different 
species have different rates of growth, making it possible to 
harvest more crops from the same plantation. 
