Growing Seedlings
Affordable non needle drop REAL Christmas Trees now dominate the Christmas Tree market in Europe and are the first choice for the vast majority of families at Christmas.
Over 7 million REAL trees are bought every year in the UK. A significant percentage of these are grown in Europe and bear up to £6+ per tree transport cost. Approximately 15 million are grown in Denmark alone, 95% of which are exported.
All UK buyers of Christmas Trees are very keen to minimise the escalating cost of transporting trees out of Europe so the more trees that are grown in the UK the better!
- One acre will grow up to 4000 non needle drop trees.
- Quality seedling trees means low costs and high returns.
- Harvest from 5 years onwards.
- Return on investment (based on Nordmann Fir – Wholesale at £3.25 per foot (£19.50 for a 6ft tree) – Retailing at £7.00 per foot (£42 for a 6ft tree.)
Yorkshire Christmas Trees seedlings are specially cultivated for Christmas tree farms. This ensures, minimum labour, which generates maximum profit.
The Seedlings
The seed from which the seedlings are grown has been specially developed to produce a dense, lush Premium Quality Tree. The roots have been undercut to ensure a strong fibrous root. the Nordmann fir has been specially designed by cross breeding similar trees with complimenting characteristics to create the perfect tree, to replace the traditional tree.
Protection from pests
If trees need protection from:
- Rabbits. A rabbit-proof fence is the most satisfactory method of achieving this.
- Deer. In certain areas these may be a problem and in extreme cases deer fencing may be required
Species
The most popular tree in the market is Nordmann Fir (Caucasian Fir) which demands 80% of the Christmas Tree market.
Pre-planting treatment
It is vital to control weed growth in christmas tree plantations, during the early stage of growth, and this task is made much easier if a pre-plant application of Glyphosate (Roundup) or similar herbicide is carried out, preferably in late summer/autumn prior to planting. After year 3, weeds will not compete with the trees and the trees will become dominant. If the ground is to be cultivated prior to planting then it is a good idea to do this in the autumn and make a further application of herbicide in the spring to prevent weed germination prior to planting.
Plants
Plants supplied for christmas tree production are grown from seed that has been specially selected for the purpose from trees which exhibit the characteristics that are required in christmas trees.
The planting season runs from early autumn to spring (i.e. the dormant period). Plants are normally supplied in special plant bags designed to protect the trees until they are planted. They can be stored in these bags providing they are kept in the shade. Planting should take place as soon as possible after receiving the plants. If it is not possible to plant them within 5days of receipt then the plants should be removed from the bags and heeled-in bunches to prolong lifespan.