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 In the spring, farmers begin planting or
“setting” transplants into the actual
tree fields. These transplants are 5
years of age, having been grown in a
seedbed for 3 years, and then growing an
additional 2 years in a line-out nursery
bed, where the transplants are spread
out for healthy branch growth and the
development of strong root systems.
Trees usually grow for at least 5-6
years in the field, longer for growing
larger-sized trees.
 For the first few years in the field,
farmers must ensure that weeds are
managed so they do not out-compete the
young trees. Many farmers will sow a
groundcover, such as Dutch White Clover,
to help suppress undesirable weeds.
Groundcovers keep young tree roots cool
in the summer, provide habitat for
beneficial insects, and most
importantly, provide nitrogen, an
essential plant nutrient, to the growing
trees. This reduces the amount of
additional fertilizers the farmers must
apply to the fields, keeping production
costs lower and preventing excess
fertilizers from affecting the
surrounding environment.
As trees grow each year, farmers have
several important tasks: scouting for
insects that may damage the trees,
shearing the trees to achieve an
attractive shape, and maintaining the
nutrient levels in the surrounding soil
and plant tissue for optimal growth. All
of these tasks are completed within the
elements of Integrated Pest Management,
known as IPM.
 When trees are harvested for the
wholesale market, many trees are cut and
baled in the field, Once baled, trees
are taken to loading yards, where the
trees are congregated into “tree cages”
where they are protected from sun and
wind. The trees are then loaded onto
tractor-trailers, or smaller trucks and
hauled throughout the state and all
parts of the country. When trees are
harvested for Choose and Cut, trees are
harvested during a 3-4 week period,
beginning in mid-November. Customers
visit a farm, choose a tree to buy, and
then transport it back to their home.
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For up to date listing of Christmas
trees available in Watauga County,
contact Suzanne at 828-264-3061.
If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us
828-264-3061,
email us, or use our
online
request form.
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