The growing of Christmas trees is similar to other agriculture products in that careful planning and time-honored practices are required.
Seedlings are planted in rows (usually in the Spring) and irrigated over through the early years. Each summer, after the growing season, the tree is sheared (shaped with a machete-like knife) to ensure the shape and increase the density of the branches. Strictly EPA-approved nutrients and treatments are applied as needed.
The average growth for a tree is approximately one foot per year. After the tree reaches the desired height, it is tagged with a ribbon to designate that it is to be harvested in the Fall. Crews then go out to the fields and cut each tagged tree with a chain saw. Each tree is baled (run through a cone-like machine and either tied with twine or netting) and trucked to a loading yard (usually in a shaded area) until ready for shipping. A field of trees is generally cleared in three years and replanted for the next cycle.
For more information, visit the National Christmas Tree Association website at realchristmastrees.org