When it comes to Christmas, one of the most important traditions is putting up a Christmas tree. But have you ever stopped to think about how long it takes to grow a perfect tree? It turns out it takes quite a bit of time!
This blog post will discuss how long it takes to grow a Christmas tree and some factors that go into making the perfect tree. We will also provide tips on choosing the right tree from tree farms for your home.
Quick Answer
It takes 6-10 years for a Christmas tree to fully mature and be ready for harvest.
The species of the tree can affect the growth time, with some types taking longer than others. The Fraser fir, one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties, takes about 7 years to reach maturity. The Noble fir, another popular choice, takes 7-10 years to mature.
In addition to species, the growing conditions and care given to the tree also play a role in its growth time and quality. Trees grown at high altitudes or in cooler climates tend to have better shape and color. These trees also receive extra attention from farmers, as they are often hand-pruned and sheared to create the perfect shape.
The History of Christmas Trees
Christmas trees have been a part of the holiday season for centuries. The first recorded Christmas tree use was in Germany in the 16th century. Trees were initially decorated with candles, which represented the light of Christ.
In the 18th century, Christmas trees began to be decorated with more elaborate decorations such as glass balls, fruit, and angels. Today, Christmas trees are a staple in homes worldwide and come in all shapes and sizes. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States.
What Is the Average Time It Takes to Grow a Christmas Tree?
Considering the cultural importance of a Christmas tree, especially during the festive season, it is customary to want to grow your tree. But how long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?
Several tree varieties worldwide have become known as the “traditional” Christmas tree in different parts of the world. In America, the most popular type of Christmas tree is the Fraser fir, which has a growth period of about 7 years.
Other Christmas trees, such as the Noble fir and Nordmann fir, have a growth period of about ten years. Also, each specie has varying soil and water needs as well as weed control requirements, contributing significantly to how fast a Christmas tree specie grows.
How Long Does It Take to Grow the Different Types of Christmas Trees?
As mentioned above, the different varieties of Christmas trees grow at different speeds. Here is a list of some popular Christmas trees and how long it takes for them to grow:
Leyland Cypress
The Leyland Cypress is a popular Christmas tree specie in the South of America, often used in windbreaks and regularly sighted along boundary lines. It thrives in various soil types and can survive in not-so-ideal climatic conditions. This adaptability makes it a fast-growing tree, with some specimens growing as much as three feet in a year! It is one tough Christmas tree.
Deodara Cedar
The Deodara Cedar is native to the Himalayas and is often used in construction due to its strong wood. It has a slower growth rate when compared to the Leyland Cypress but is still significantly faster than most other trees, taking approximately ten years to mature.
Norway Spruce
The Norway Spruce is one of the most popular Christmas trees in Europe and America. It has a relatively rapid growth rate, taking about five to six years to reach 6ft. The Norway spruce has dark green needles and can grow up to a typical height of 50 feet!
Douglas Fir
The Douglas Fir is another famous Christmas tree in America and Europe. It has a soft, dense wood that is easy to decorate. Douglas Firs have a relatively long lifespan and can live for over 500 years! It takes about 7 – 10 years for the tree to mature and be ready for harvesting.
Fraser Fir
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the Fraser Fir is America’s most famous Christmas tree, with North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee’s southern Appalachian region covered in Fraser fir trees.
It is prized for its excellent needle retention and pleasant aroma. The Fraser Fir grows relatively fast, with an average growth period of about seven years. It is an excellent choice for a Christmas tree because it is beautiful and has a long lifespan.
Noble Fir
The Noble Fir, also known as the red fir, is native to the Cascade Range and Pacific Coast Ranges of the United States Pacific Northwest. Noble fir Christmas trees are known for their excellent needle retention, pleasant aroma, strong branches, and beautiful pyramidal shape.
Growing a Noble Fir to harvest size takes approximately seven to ten years. The average height of a harvested Noble Fir is between six and eight feet tall.
Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann Fir, also known as the Caucasian fir, is one of the popular trees native to the mountains of the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its dense, dark green needles and lovely pyramidal shape.
Nordmann Fir trees take approximately 10 years before they are due for harvesting and would grow to be between six and eight feet tall.
Balsam Fir
Native to eastern and central Canada and the northeastern United States, the Balsam Fir is another excellent choice for a Christmas tree. It is characterized by its pleasant fragrance, strong branches, and excellent needle retention, and is one of the evergreen trees.
The average Balsam Fir takes between 15 – 30 years to mature and would grow to be between six and eight feet tall at harvest time.
Tips on How to Choose the Right Tree
Now that you know how long it takes to grow the different types of Christmas trees, here are a few tips on how to choose the right tree:
- Consider your climate and soil type when choosing a tree. Some trees, like the Leyland Cypress, are more adaptable to different conditions and will grow faster
- If you’re looking for a fragrant tree, opt for species like the Balsam Fir or Fraser Fir
- If needle retention is essential to you, choose a Nordmann Fir or Noble Fir
- If you want a fast-growing tree, go for the Leyland Cypress or Deodara Cedar
- Finally, decide what height and shape you want your tree to be. Some tree species, like the Douglas Fir, can grow quite tall (up to 50 feet!) if you prefer tall trees, while others, like the Fraser Fir, have a more compact growth habit.
Conclusion
The magic of Christmas trees lies in their ability to bring people together and fill homes with cheer. Rather than go for an artificial tree that cuts out all the fun of tree farming or visiting a farm with your family, you should invest in a real tree.
There is a wide variety you can choose from, each with its unique growth rate, usually ranging from five to fifteen years.
So whether you’re looking for a fast-growing tree or one that will last you many Christmases, there’s a Christmas tree out there for you! You also never know; you might want to join the tree business, joining other farmers who work hard to make Christmas memorable for us all.
