Extension Service Site Publications

• (2022) 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.
  
• (2021) Christmas tree experimenting: what’s new and what stays the same after 40 years
• (2020) Christmas Tree Research Update
• (2021) 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.
• (2020) 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.
• (2020) 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.
• (2019) 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.
  These trees are grown for breeding and cultural practices that benefit the Christmas tree industry.
  Full story here: https://oap.oregonstate.edu/2019/12/20/o-christmas-tree-how-lovely-is-thy-research/
• (2020) 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.
• (2020) 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.
• (2017) 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.
• (1994) Nitrogen fertilizer: Where does it go?
• (2017) 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.
• (2021) 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 density of true fir, Douglas-fir, pine, and spruce Christmas trees so that they are marketable.
• (2014) 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.
• (2017) 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 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.
• (2003) Growing Christmas Trees in the Pacific Northwest A guide for the prospective and novice Christmas tree grower. Includes how to evaluate risk and potential for return. Discusses the tree growing cycle, tasks and time requirements, pertinent laws and regulations, and costs, returns, and taxes. Describes 11 popular species (color photos) including their soil and site preferences, pest and disease susceptibilities, and relative market value. References.
• (2014) 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 practices to help minimize the presence of pests at harvest and describes how to identify these problems. It includes management calendars, pest quarantine information, legal considerations for exporting, and options for monitoring and trapping. This pocket-sized guide has dozens of photos and is printed on water-resistant paper, making it perfect for using in the field.
  Content is also available on a responsive, mobile-friendly, bilingual website, link below.
  This publication is printed to order and shipped directly from OSU Printing & Mailing Services. Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery.
• (2011) Shearing and Culturing Christmas Trees This video shows how to improve your noble fir or Douglas-fir Christmas tree plantation--and your bottom line. Learn proven shearing and culturing practices for the noble and Douglas-fir; also covers knife selection and sharpening.
• (2019) Esquilar y Cultivar Arboles de Navidad Aprenda técnicas de eficacia para mejorar la cantidad y calidad de su cosecha de arboles de Navidad
• (2011) Calibrating and Using Backpack Sprayers Backpack sprayers are relatively easy to use--and to misuse. This video shows basic sprayer components and how to use them appropriately. It also outlines how to calibrate the sprayer, calculate application rates, and mix pesticides.
• (2019) 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 fertilizer needs. Presents a long-term nutrient management approach that will ensure availability of nutrients throughout the tree's life cycle, with the objective of achieving optimal tree size and color.