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Christmas trees

Photo: Judy Kowalski (Cropped from original)

Developing Quality Christmas Trees in the Pacific Northwest

By Chal G. Landgren

Each Christmas tree species requires special skill and specific knowledge to be grown successfully. This publication outlines how trees grow and the culturing practices necessary to develop the size, shape, and density of true fir, Douglas-fir, pine, and spruce Christmas trees so that they are marketable.

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Photo: Judy Kowalski (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Drip Irrigation System for Field-Grown Christmas Tree Seedlings

Kirk Stroda, a seasoned 5th-generation Oregon Christmas Tree farmer, reveals groundbreaking irrigation methods for keeping newly-planted seedlings alive amid harsh heat waves and drought conditions on a farm without direct water access....

Feb 2024 | Video

Episode 28: Christmas Trees

In this episode, Jacob Putney and Chal Landgren discuss the history and science behind growing Christmas trees in Oregon. Landgren is the former OSU Extension Christmas Tree Specialist.

Jacob Putney, Chal Landgren | Dec 2022 | Podcast episode

Christmas tree recommendations?

Q: We buy live Christmas trees and then plant them as a family tradition. I'm recommending the practice to others, and thought it a good idea to have a list of recommended varieties. Could we work up a short list of conifer candidates that are native to Oregon? Thank you!

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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Weed and Vegetation Management Strategies in Christmas Trees

By Ed Peachey Chal G. Landgren and Timothy W. Miller

This publication offers an integrated approach to effective weed management in Christmas trees, incorporating diverse strategies and practices to keep weed populations off balance. It includes strategies for using prevention, mechanical means, cover crops and vegetated strips, flame weeding, and biological and chemical controls. Emphasis in chemical recommendations is on strategies to reduce herbicide resistance and protect surface and groundwater from pesticide loss.

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Photo: Judy Kowalski (Cropped from original)

In the News

Drought hinders popular noble Christmas trees

Growers and Oregon State University continuously look at novel ways to improve first year planting success.

Dec 13, 2022 | News story

‘Trees to Know’ guidebook helps identify Christmas trees

Make it fun by challenging everyone to find each of the most common Christmas trees: Douglas-fir, noble fir and grand fir.  

Kym Pokorny | Dec 3, 2021 | News story

Historic heatwave offers lessons for Christmas tree growers

Damage assessments after the historic heat wave of June 2021 in Oregon provided lessons for the state's Christmas tree growers. Those assessments showed how damage varied by type of tree and location of farms.

Judy Kowalski | Oct 2021 | Article

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Meet Our Experts

Chal Landgren
(Retired)
Judy Kowalski
Bio Science Research Technician, Christmas Trees

Contact me for Christmas tree resources.

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Christmas tree recommendations?

Q: We buy live Christmas trees and then plant them as a family tradition. I'm recommending the practice to others, and thought it a good idea to have a list of recommended varieties. Could we work up a short list of conifer candidates that are native to Oregon? Thank you!

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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