Christmas Tree Farming

How long does a Christmas tree crop take?

Trees take years to grow to a saleable size, and the time depends on species, site and care. During that time you invest in seedlings, weed control, shaping, protection and sometimes irrigation, with no income. A planting that is started and then neglected can lose its value quickly.

Because the cycle is long, many growers plant in stages so that some trees mature each year. Even then, the first sale comes long after the first expense, so cash planning is essential.

Species choice affects how you will sell. Some trees hold their needles well after cutting and others dry out faster, and local customers often have strong preferences. Ask local retailers what their customers ask for.

How do I choose species and a site?

Not every species suits every place. Soil drainage, pH, slope, frost pockets, and heat and drought tolerance all affect survival. Planting the wrong tree in the wrong spot is one of the most common and costly mistakes.

Ask your county Extension office for the species that do well in your region and have the soil tested. State Christmas tree grower associations and university programs publish guides. I will not name any seller. Compare more than one nursery, and ask about the source and quality of seedlings.

• Well-drained soil that does not stay wet.
• A site with good access for equipment and customers.
• Species matched to your climate and soil.
• Space for roads, parking and a turnaround.

What care do the trees need?

Young trees need weed control so that grass and brush do not take their water. As they grow, many species need annual shearing or shaping to produce the full form buyers expect. Fertilizing, if any, should follow a soil test and local advice.

The work is seasonal and physical. Shearing and harvest are labor-heavy periods. Think about who will help, how you will keep them safe and what insurance and labor rules apply to hired workers. Your state labor department and an insurance agent can explain these.

Wildlife can matter too. Deer rub and browse on young trees, and mice and voles can girdle seedlings under snow. Ask local growers how they deal with this, and find out what your state wildlife agency allows.

What are the main risks?

Pests, diseases, drought, late frosts, deer browsing and wildfire or storm damage can all injure a crop. A bad year can wipe out a block of trees. Spreading planting across several years and several sites reduces the chance that one event destroys everything.

Crop insurance and disaster programs may exist for some tree crops. Ask your Farm Service Agency office what is available and what conditions apply. Do not assume anything is covered without asking.

How do people sell the trees?

Growers sell through several routes: on-farm cut-your-own sales, wholesale to lot operators, local retailers and special events. Each route requires different work. On-farm sales need parking, safety planning and often insurance, and they bring strangers, including children, onto your land.

Check with your county about zoning, signs and parking, and with your insurer about liability. Your state department of agriculture can explain any inspection or licensing for tree sales. A licensed attorney can review your waivers and signs if you are unsure.

Is it a good fit for me?

It can be a good fit for someone who has suitable land, patience, steady labor and a market within reach. It is a poor fit for someone who expects quick returns or who cannot spare time during the busy weeks.

Write a simple plan before you plant. Estimate costs for each year, the number of trees you plan to sell and the sales route. Share it with an SBA-supported adviser or Extension agent and ask for blunt feedback.

What records and money questions should I plan for?

Keep a simple ledger from the first day. Record the cost of land preparation, seedlings, tools, labor, fuel and advertising, and note the planting date and species of each block. Over time this record shows which parts of the operation earn their keep.

Tax treatment of a tree crop can be complicated, particularly the difference between a hobby and a business and how costs are counted over a long growing period. I cannot give tax advice. Speak to a licensed tax professional or ask your Extension office about farm business classes. The SBA and the Farm Service Agency can explain loan and support programs, and you should ask what is currently available.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.