Chal Landgren

Christmas Tree Specialist

Locations: North Willamette Research and Extension Center

About
Content
Publications
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Biography

Program Focus Christmas tree breeding Tree growth and culturing Integrated Pest and Farm Management Chal has been growing Christmas trees since 1982 on his small family farm. The farm is on the 3rd crop rotation, second market cycle and is constantly engaged in answering new questions about growing trees. He has been with OSU since 1980 in Forestry/Administration roles and began at NWREC in 2008.

Content by Chal Landgren

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 experimenting: what’s new and what stays the same after 40 years

This class will look at current events impacting Christmas tree growers, such as the June heat dome and summer drought. Next we will take a bit of a walk-through time and review some of the results from research trials ...

Chal Landgren, Judy Kowalski | Dec 2021 | Video

Developing Quality Christmas Trees in the Pacific Northwest

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 ...

Chal Landgren | Sep 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

OSU research keeps Oregon Christmas tree industry No. 1 in the nation

Each Christmas tree species requires special skill and specific knowledge to be grown successfully.

Chal Landgren | Apr 2021 | Impact story

A better method for controlling leader growth on Christmas trees

Trying to control leader length on true fir Christmas trees has always been a tricky proposition. But now, after years of experimentation, a method using a plant growth regulator has proven successful.

Chal Landgren | Mar 2021 | Article

Promising new Christmas tree variety undergoing trials

Trials are underway for a promising, new Christmas tree variety. The Trojan fir will undergo field trials that will evaluate traits including growth, needle retention and appearance. The trials will conclude in 2031.

Chal Landgren | Dec 2020 | Article

Cone harvests for noble fir seeds

Every four years or so, noble firs produce a bumper crop of cones. One recent collection effort at two seed orchards yielded about 5,000 cones, enough seed for about 700,000 seedlings.

Chal Landgren, Judy Kowalski | Sep 2020 | Article

Persistent questions about growing Christmas trees

The Extension Service Christmas tree specialist has answered thousands of questions over the years. Those questions usually lead to more questions that require careful observation and a detective's mindset to solve.

Chal Landgren | Jun 2020 | Article

Christmas Tree Research Update

Get the latest updates on current research relevant to Christmas tree farms in this session. Topics include leader control and tree trimming, new insecticide trials, and what you can do to coax noble fir seedlings to survive ...

Chal Landgren | May 2020 | Video

Noble fir seedling survival strategies

Christmas trees planted in unirrigated sites depend on the weather for survival. A research trial set out to find factors that would help seedlings survive during drought years. Results were mixed.

Judy Kowalski, Chal Landgren | Jan 2020 | Article

Breeding Christmas Trees

Oregon produces over 4.5 million Christmas trees. Chal Landgren researches Christmas trees in the Willamette Valley at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center. The goal isn’t to create picture-perfect Christmas trees. ...

Chal Landgren | Dec 2019 | Video

Christmas Tree Nutrient Management Guide for Western Oregon and Washington

A comprehensive guide to fertilization and nutrient management in Christmas tree fields. Discusses tree nutrient use at various stages in the crop cycle and explains how to use soil and tissue testing to determine...

John M. Hart, Chal Landgren, Richard Fletcher, Michael Bondi, Brad Withrow-Robinson, Gary Chastagner | Jan 2019 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Weed and Vegetation Management Strategies in Christmas Trees

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 ...

Ed Peachey, Chal Landgren, Tim Miller-Morgan | Dec 2017 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Program sets standards for Christmas tree growers

The Socially and Environmentally Responsible Farm program is a certification program for Christmas tree growers in Oregon and Washington. It assures consumers that trees have been grown according to best practices.

Chal Landgren | Jul 2017 | Article

Comparison of noble fir progeny from US Pacific Northwest collection regions and Denmark for Christmas tree traits

Noble fir is the leading Christmas tree produced in the US Pacific Northwest (PNW). This study is based on evaluations of 24,721 trees collected from five native collection regions in Oregon and Washington plus imported seed from Denmark. Traits important for commercial Christmas tree production were evaluated and include commercial height, tree grade, value and color.

Chal Landgren, Ulrik Brauner Nielsen, Gary Chastagner | Feb 2017 | Online resource

Best Management Practices for Christmas Tree Export (Buenas Prácticas de Manejo para la Exportación de Árboles de Navidad)

This full-color, bilingual (English and Spanish) field guide provides Christmas tree producers with information on identifying and managing pests of concern to export trading partners. It features best management ...

Heather Stoven, Chal Landgren, Luisa Santamaria, Helmuth Rogg, James LaBonte | Jun 2014 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Identifying and Managing Christmas Tree Diseases, Pests, and Other Problems (Identificación y Manejo de Enfermedades, Plagas y Otros Problemas en Árboles de Navidad)

This full-color, English and Spanish field guide is for tree growers and field workers. Learn to identify and treat diseases, pests, disorders and damage affecting Christmas trees.

Luisa Santamaria, Chal Landgren | Apr 2014 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)