In the heart of Virginia, farmer Jim Gehlsen tends to his miniature pines and spruce trees with meticulous care every spring. With a discerning eye for the perfect cone shape, vibrant green color, and excellent needle retention, Gehlsen’s mission is to cultivate the quintessential Christmas tree for his customers who eagerly await the festive holiday centerpiece. In the United States alone more than 25 million Christmas trees find their way into homes each year, contributing to a staggering $200 million in total sales in 2017, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
However, the journey from sapling to holiday spectacle is complex. Christmas tree farming is a year-round battle against various challenges, including fungal infections, insect invasions, unpredictable weather, and the looming threat of climate change.
Gehlsen’s dedication extends to carefully trimming all 30,000 trees by hand over four weeks each spring, a task he insists on doing himself because, as he puts it, “nobody else does it quite right.”
One of the formidable adversaries in this agricultural war is the bagworm, a moth in disguise that wreaks havoc on Christmas tree plantations. Gehlsen describes how these pests, if left unchecked, could decimate the top half of a tree by stripping bark and killing branches. His preventive measures involve meticulously removing bagworm eggs early in the year and returning in the summer to address the newly hatched caterpillars with targeted chemical sprays. This cycle of care is essential to ensure the health and vitality of the trees that will adorn homes during the holiday season.
Bagworms are one among many tree-eating insects plaguing Christmas tree farms nationwide. Weevils, midges, and aphids are among the dozens of species that can infiltrate farms, hitching rides on trucks transporting trees or carried by the wind to establish new territories. Chal Landgren, Christmas tree specialist at Oregon State University Extension, explains that the dense, uniform planting of trees on these farms provides an ideal habitat for both insects and fungi, such as the destructive pine gall rust that afflicted Gehlsen’s farm, leading him to shift from growing susceptible Scots pine to hardier varieties.
Success in tree farming, however, is a moving target. Insect and fungus populations fluctuate annually, requiring farmers to adapt their strategies. Gehlsen notes that the once-popular Scots pine is no longer a viable option due to its susceptibility to pests, emphasizing the industry’s dynamic nature.
Despite the challenges, some insects play a beneficial role in pest control. Farmers nationwide welcome the presence of developing praying mantis eggs found in their fields during winter. These predatory insects, although not native to the U.S., contribute to pest control by devouring aphids, midges, and moths. However, unsuspecting tree buyers may be surprised when these egg masses, hidden among the tree branches, hatch indoors, unleashing a swarm of tiny predators into their living rooms.
The careful timing required for tree care sees further complications due to shifting seasonal patterns. Gehlsen reflects on the changing weather in the mid-Atlantic region, noting delayed snowfalls and colder temperatures creeping into spring. The unpredictability of growing seasons, such as a slow start followed by record summer rains, poses additional challenges. Gehlsen describes how excessive weather events, from rain and drought to heat, are becoming the new normal, affecting tree growth nationwide.
In Oregon, Landgren observes the impact of prolonged dry spells on newly planted noble fir trees. Drought conditions create a cascade effect, disrupting the balance of trees and their defenses against pests. Bark beetles, which typically target weakened trees, find more susceptible trees as water scarcity reduces the trees’ ability to produce sap for defense.
Amidst these challenges, farmers are adapting and preparing for the future. In Oregon, Oregon State University is experimenting with new varieties of Christmas trees, specifically fir trees from the Mediterranean. These trees boast resistance to root rot, local pests, and the extended dry summers becoming more common on the West Coast.
As farmers like Gehlsen and Landgren navigate the evolving landscape of Christmas tree farming, they face an intricate dance with nature. Pursuing the perfect holiday centerpiece remains a delicate balance between tradition, innovation, and the ever-changing forces of the environment.
