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Fruits, Nuts & Perennial Crop CalendarsChristmas Tree Calendar
A Christmas tree crop takes many seasons, so the calendar runs across years as well as months. This guide shows what to do each season and what to plan for over the whole rotation.
Key points
- Think in rotations, not just seasons.
- Match species to soil and drainage before planting.
- Learn the shearing stage for your species.
- Plan replanting every year to stay on a steady cycle.
How long does a Christmas tree crop take?
Species and site decide the length of the rotation. Fast sellers and slow ones can differ by several years, so check your state extension publication for the species you plan to grow.
Think in three phases: establishment, shaping and harvest. Each has its own tasks and costs, and records from one rotation make the next one easier.
Keep a field map showing species, planting year and tag status for every block, because you will need it for years. Keep one page per block that lists species, planting year, spacing and expected harvest window so decisions stay consistent over time.
When do you plant seedlings or transplants?
Plant when the soil is workable and moist, usually in early spring in cold climates, and in cooler months where summers are hot. Keep roots moist and plant at the right depth.
Match species to soil and drainage. Extension forestry offices, including Purdue, Clemson and Oregon State, publish species guides for their regions.
Plan access roads and parking before planting so you do not lose rows later, and leave turnaround space for equipment. Planting depth matters: set roots straight, not curled, and firm the soil so there are no air pockets. Water at planting if conditions are dry.
- Test soil before ordering trees
- Keep seedlings cool and wet until planted
- Mark rows for mowing and access
How do you control weeds and grass?
Competition from grass and weeds slows young trees. Mowing between rows and managing vegetation around trees are standard practices in the first years.
If you use herbicides, follow the label, check state licensing rules and extension recommendations, and protect pollinators and nearby water.
Check state rules on inspection, shipping and nursery stock if you move trees across state lines, since some pests are regulated. Mowing schedules, mulch rings and strips of managed vegetation are all choices to discuss with your extension forester, who will know your soils and your weed species.
When do you shear and shape trees?
Shearing times differ by species. Pines are commonly sheared during active new growth, while firs and spruces are often sheared when growth hardens. Your extension specialist can give the stage for your species.
Shear a little at a time and keep notes. Over-shearing weakens trees, and under-shearing leaves a shape that will not sell.
Cold storage and handling affect freshness, so decide how you will keep cut trees cool and moist before you start selling. Keep shearing knives sharp and clean, and avoid shearing in wet conditions that can spread disease. Training leaders and trimming the base for a handle are separate tasks that fit alongside shearing.
What should you scout for during the year?
Insects, needle diseases and root problems vary by region and species. Scouting at regular intervals catches problems while they are small.
Use extension identification guides, and consult a licensed applicator if treatment is needed. Observe labeled pre-harvest or re-entry intervals.
Track costs and labor by season. Seeing the numbers helps you decide whether to expand or to change species. Check for problems after storms and during dry spells, because stress changes what pests and diseases show up.
How do you plan harvest and replanting?
Tag trees in the field before the selling season so you know what is ready. Plan for freshness: cut trees and keep them cool and hydrated.
After harvest, clear stumps and plan the next planting. A rolling plan with plantings each year keeps income steady across years.
Talk to your insurance agent and your state agriculture department about liability, sales tax and business registration for agritourism or choose-and-cut sales. Customers value fresh trees, so keep the cut date simple and cut stock in the shade.
What does a Christmas tree year look like on the farm?
Winter is for planning, equipment service and, in some regions, harvest of the last trees. Spring brings planting, weed management and the start of growth, and early summer is the main shearing period for many species. Late summer through fall is for scouting, tagging and getting ready for sales.
Each season has a customer side too: signs, parking, payment, restroom access and safe walking paths. Plan these before the first visitor arrives. Liability and insurance questions are best answered by your agent and your state agriculture department.
Pull it together on a yearly checklist and review it each January. A short list with dates you actually met last year beats a long list nobody follows.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.