|
Christmas tree
production in the United States has gone the
way the rest of agriculture has gone -
towards larger scale, chemical and energy
intensive practices that (we believe) are
not healthy for farmers, farm communities,
consumers, or the environment.
For a brief
comparison of our production practices and
characteristics with those of a typical
large tree farm,
click here to see
our brochure. For a slightly
more lengthy discussion of these practices,
read an article we wrote for the co-ops
and health food stores that carry our trees.
A
quick note on growing "natural" trees. When cold weather comes on
in the late fall (especially when it gets
quite cold suddenly after having been mild),
some trees - pines especially - can get a yellowish cast on the
south side. This is one of the reasons most
growers spray-paint their pines. We refuse to do this, and if you
follow the tips provided above about cutting
a new slice off the trunk and keeping your
tree well supplied with water, it should
green up quickly and remain that way.
Every so often
we get a comment (or complaint), as do all
Christmas tree growers, of a crooked trunk.
Chances are that your tree is just fine, but
if you are one of the lucky ones, we at
least want you to know how it happens.
-
We promote a
diverse ground cover throughout our tree
fields of grasses, wildflowers, and
weeds. We do not broadcast herbicides as
do most growers, and so competition is
tough for the small trees. This can
result in the main leader dying back and
new one taking it's place.
-
Certain insects
can also burrow into the leader and kill
the main shoot, and we do not use
insecticides or fungicides (most growers
do).
-
And finally, blame
the birds. Because we have such a
diverse plantation, full of plants and
insects, we also have a large population
of nesting birds. We like it this way,
but the birds also like to sit on the
very tips of the trees, and sometimes
break off the central leader, and then
another has to take it's place. This is
actually the main reason - on our farm
anyway - for slightly crooked trunks when they
appear.
We believe
that the minimal effects all this wild life
has on the trees is worth it, and we hope you
agree.
Remember,
Christmas trees raised in a sustainable
manner are a very renewable, soil building,
wildlife friendly crop. Please don't buy a
plastic tree, and please don't send your
tree to a landfill either. Thanks.
|
