NORWAY SPRUCE 


Norway Spruce has short, shiny, dark green 
needles, thick foliage, and strong branches. 
It is one of the most widely used as ar 
Ornamental. 
varieties of Christmas Trees. They can be most economically pro- 
duced of all planted trees. (1) Their hardiness enables them to 
thrive on hilly, stony or poor land which is unsuited for other agri- 
cultural purposes. (2) They flourish in practically all climates. 
(3) Most varieties will tolerate low moisture content. (4) Their 
growth is more rapid than that of any other tree used for this pur- 
pose, allowing them to be marketed within 5 to 8 years after plant- 
ing. (5) They require no cultivation. 
Although comparatively new on the market, Pines are becoming 
more popular each year. Their advantages over wild trees are so 
outstanding that customers demand them in any markets where they 
are available. 
(1) All pines hold their needles for several months after being cut. 
(2) If seedlings grown from the best strains of seed are used, beau- 
tiful, compact, premium trees are produced. 
(3) Pine trees always present a fresh appearance and pleasant 
fragrance. 
(4) Due to the heavier branches, this type of tree is especially easy 
to decorate. 
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 cultiva- 
tion, it has been found that when planted in particularly good soil, 
they will grow too fast to develop into bushy, symmetrical trees. 
Under these conditions pruning or shearing is desirable in order to 
produce quality trees. This is a simple procedure which is explained 
later. 
+ 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 -sym- 
metrical, 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 preferred 
for Christmas Tree planting, although Blue Spruce, while slower 
growing, is unsurpassed for beauty. 
Spruce will grow in ali temperature climates. It requires rich 
moist soil and normal drainage. It can be grown successfully in par- 
22 
Planting Stockh With 
Well-Developed Root Systems 
Produce 
Strong, Sturdy Trees 


TYPICAL CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 
A fine plantation of Musser American Red Pine, 
6 years old, ready for first harvest. Half the 
trees will be left for timber. 
AMERICAN RED PINE 

Fred Musser, developer of the 
proven Musser Culture for Tree 
Seedlings and Transplants, ex- 
amines a fine specimen of Amer- 
ican Red Pine on one of the 
Musser Christmas Tree Experi- 
mental Farms. 

tial 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 pruning, except 
following seasons of unusual growth. All varieties may be used for 
Christmas Trees. 
*« 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 Christ- 
mas 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. 
yy Plant a Variety of Species 
ty A mixture of species in the same plantation is the 
(ull most desirable 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. 
We would suggest a planting of 70% Pines, and 30% Spruces. 
You may have several varieties of both species, depending on your 
particular soil and climate conditions. You will find it will pay 
you well when marketing time comes. 
Your Farm Agent, State Forester, or Soil Conservation repre- 
sentative will be glad to assist you in selecting planting sites best 
suited to various types of trees. 
Land Needs No Preparation 
We recommend no preparation of suil before planting. The 
added expense is usually not justified, and often a light growth of 
grass and weeds is actually beneficial to the growth of young trees 
since they offer shade and moisture retention during the early stages 
of the plantation. If you intend to cultivate your trees after planting 
it will be necessary to plow the site first. 
