![]() For example, an entire industry has been established around fir tips, which can be utilized to create wreaths and Christmas ornaments. Some of the brush that is generated during the tending of fir trees can be used in other products. Over the lifetime of the tree, the costs of controlling these pests can be significant. During its 8 to 10 years of life, a tree can be infested with a number of insects and diseases, including spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana), balsam gall midge ( Paradiplosis tumifex), balsam wooly adelgid ( Adelges piceae), whitemarked tussock moth ( Orgyia leucostigma) and yellow witches broom of fir ( Melampsorella caryophyllacearum). There can be many setbacks during the growth of an average Christmas tree. Where a deeper colour is required, or if there is yellowing ( chlorosis) of the needles, fertilizer containing plenty of nitrogen can help. There are opportunities to improve the growth and colour of trees by applying fertilizer. The optimal colour of Christmas trees is a deep blue-green. Butt-pruning is an important treatment that helps the grower regulate the height and quality of the final product. Again, many domestic growers who wish to retail their trees locally or operate a "U-Pick" may choose to vary shapes and sizes to appeal to consumer demand. During this time the grower has almost complete control over the final shapes of the trees. Shearing may be needed for a number of years, depending on the market requirements. These buds should be at least of average size, since they will be responsible for producing the next year's growth. When shearing trees to a desired shape, it is important to prune branches just in front of healthy, viable buds. Keep in mind that good quality is always warranted. The former are easier to control and safer to use, while shearing knives get the job done quickly. The two most common kinds of shearing tools are pruning shears and shearing knives. Once fir trees have reached a metre in height some light shearing may be in order. Some growers opt for a mixture of shapes and density, to guarantee a cross-section of the market. ![]() If a retailer will be purchasing your trees, it is very important to determine these characteristics early on, while there is still time to shear the tree. Recent trends have been toward sparser foliage with a narrower profile. A decade ago, thick foliage with a well-sheared conical shape was almost universally desired. Ĭonsumer demands for balsam fir vary in characteristics. In such sites, planting or stump tending will almost certainly be required. ![]() Where the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges balsamea) is present, seed crops will likely be affected and good quality natural regeneration may be difficult to establish. Here the trees can be left to grow until they are at least a metre in height. Where healthy balsam fir is already found, many cutovers will regenerate to balsam fir. Abandoned fields are often good places to plant or transplant fir seedlings, although grass and mouse control may be required on these sites. ![]() If not, good quality seedlings are easy to purchase. Most woodlots in Nova Scotia already have balsam fir growing on them. The sharp fragrance, soft blue-green foliage and ease of handling has given the balsam fir an edge over other species such as Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Noble fir, Scots pine, red pine and white pine. The tree grows well in nearly all areas of the province and has been cultivated as Christmas trees and exported for over 75 years. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is king of Nova Scotia’s natural Christmas commodities. ![]()
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