Pinestead Tree Farm, Minnesota

Growing a quality tree is one of the most labor intensive farm crops. For your Christmas enjoyment we have:

Planted it as a 2-3 year old seedling or transplant
Watered it as necessary for the first 2-3 years until fully established
Mowed around it to keep the weeds down
Fertilized it annually (Spruce and Fir) from about 3’ high to time of harvest
Sheared (trimmed and shaped) it each year from about 3’ high to time of harvest to enhance it’s fullness and taper
Sprayed it as necessary to control a variety of diseases and pests
Greened it (if a pine) to maintain its lush summer coloration (pines turn pale in the fall from a lack of chlorophyll as the temperature drops below freezing)
Shook it (after cutting) on an electric tree shaker to remove any dead needles
Baled it for ease of handling (leave the twine or netting on until in house and stand)
Drilled it, if requested, for insertion into a spike type tree stand
Loaded and tied on your vehicle.

Keep it in a cool place, preferably in your garage out of the wind, and ideally in a bucket of water, until ready to put up.
When placing in the stand make a fresh cut of about 1” to remove any sap seal and allow the tree to take in water. Note—we will do this for you on all pre-cuts before you leave the farm. No additional cut is necessary if you place the tree in water within a few hours. This is likewise true for choose and cut trees.
Once in the stand, immediately add water and always keep the water level above the base of the tree. Usually you will have to add water 2-3 times daily the first couple of days and once daily after that.
Place away from direct heat, especially wood stoves, fireplaces, and home heating sources.
Keep the humidity at 60-70% (for your comfort as well).
Decorate and enjoy!

After Christmas set the tree in a snow bank and let the kids decorate it for all the winter birds and animals. Make ornaments with carrots, apple slices, bread cubes, popcorn strings, pinecones filled with peanut butter and birdseed, etc.

Never burn it! Instead recycle it into wood chips for local park paths or possibly habitat for newborn fish. Go to www.christmastree.org and enter your zip code in the recycling locator to find the nearest recycling center.