Extension Communications Extension 4-H Youth Building Ames, Iowa 50011-3630 (515) 294-9915

11/15/04

Contacts:
Paul Wray, Forestry Extension, (515) 294-1168, phw@iastate.edu
Del Marks, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-9807, delmarks@iastate.edu

Garden column for the week of Nov. 19, 2004

Iowa's Christmas Trees

By Paul Wray
Forestry
Iowa State University Extension

It's almost time to find that special tree for the holidays. For optimum freshness, select a tree that has been grown and cultured in Iowa. For locations of Christmas tree farms in Iowa, see the Iowa Christmas Tree Growers Association at http://www.iowachristmastrees.com/ or the Iowa Department of Agriculture Christmas Tree Directory at http://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/christmastree.asp. When purchasing your tree from a community lot, look for the "Iowa Grown" label; this will ensure that you have selected a fresh, locally grown tree.

Selecting the species and the specific individual tree is often a personal preference, partly due to our heritage and what looks good to us. Here is some information about the common species grown for Christmas trees in Iowa.

Scotch or Scots Pine
It is the most common tree produced in Iowa. It is well adapted to Iowa's climate and soils. It grows fast and produces a tree that has dark green foliage and stiff branches that are well suited for heavy decorations. Its native range is Europe and Asia; within this range more than 35 selections or seed sources are used for Christmas trees. It has needles in bundles of two that range from 1 to 3 inches in length. As a Christmas tree, Scotch pine is known for its excellent needle retention. With proper care, it can be used three to four weeks as a Christmas tree.

Eastern White Pine
White pine is native in much of the eastern U.S., including northeast Iowa and as far south and west as Hardin County. As a forest tree it is very important, growing up to 80 feet tall, and providing valuable lumber. As a Christmas tree, it is second in production in Iowa and takes about a year longer to produce a Christmas tree than Scotch pine. The needles are in bundles of five, flexible, bluish green to silver green in color, range from 3 to 5 inches in length and are very soft. Branches are very flexible and do not hold heavy ornaments well. Needle retention is excellent; it should last three to four weeks. It produces very little aroma. However, it is also the species, that will produce the fewest allergic reactions.

Red Pine
Red pine, the pine of the lake states (not Iowa) is used for Christmas trees because it has long needles (4 to 7 inches) and produces a tree, that is more open for hanging ornaments. It is between Scotch and white pine in terms of stiffness of branches and softness of needles. It takes two to four years longer than Scotch pine to produce a salable Christmas tree.

Spruces
White, Norway, Black Hills and blue spruce are used for Christmas trees in Iowa. The spruces have short, single, sharp-pointed needles, that appear to be on a short stalk on the stem of the tree. The branches are quite stiff, and because of the sharp needles they are quite "prickly." Their shape as a Christmas tree is usually outstanding. However, they should be considered a short-term tree, because as they dry, the needle loss becomes excessive. They should be used as a cut Christmas tree for approximately two weeks. The best spruces for needle retention are white and Black Hills.

Firs
True firs continue to gain popularity as Christmas trees in Iowa. The most common species used are balsam, Canaan and Fraser, all native to the north and eastern U.S. The species have single needles, somewhat flattened, with rounded tips. They have dark green needles, outstanding form and are the most fragrant of the Christmas trees. The needle retention on firs is better than the spruces, but not as good as pines. These three species all require good site selection for growth in Iowa; they do best in the eastern half of the state on north and east facing slopes, which will be cooler and more moist. Their growth rate is slow, requiring nine to 12 years to produce a Christmas tree. A few growers also produce some white fir Christmas trees. White fir is native to the Southwestern U.S. and is very tolerant of hot, dry conditions. Douglas fir (not a true fir), native to the Western U.S., is also produced by a few growers. It prefers dry well-drained soils.

When you get your tree home, take care of it. If the tree has been cut for more than a day, make a fresh cut at the base and place in water immediately. Keep it watered and make sure that it does not run out of water during the holiday season

Enjoy an Iowa grown Christmas tree this holiday.

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ml: isugarden

Editors: Five color photos, suitable for publication, are available at right. Click on each thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. Full-sized photo file sizes are as follows: (1) 568K; (2) 440K; (3) 484K; (4) 600K, and (5) 348K. Caption: True firs continue to gain popularity as Christmas trees in Iowa.
Caption: Red pine, the pine of the lake states (not Iowa) is used for Christmas trees because it has long needles (4 to 7 inches) and produces a tree, that is more open for hanging ornaments.
Caption: The most common tree produced in Iowa. It is well adapted to Iowa's climate and soils.
Caption: White pine is native in much of the eastern U.S. As a Christmas tree, it is second in production in Iowa and takes about a year longer to produce a Christmas tree than Scotch pine.
Caption: White, Norway, Black Hills and blue spruce are used for Christmas trees in Iowa. The spruces have short, single, sharp-pointed needles, that appear to be on a short stalk on the stem of the tree.

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