MSU Extension Christmas Trees

• Understanding Cost of Production Helps Christmas Tree Producers Maximize Profits and Manage Risk

  Published on May 1, 2014
  Knowing cost of production and break-even sales price is one key to keeping Christmas tree producers in business.

• Integrated pest management can save money

  Published on January 22, 2014
  Looking for ways to save money on pest management? Review the integrated pest management (IPM) program on your farm to see that it is being utilized to the fullest.

• Kids back on the farm? Sign them up for the 2014 Integrated Pest Management Academy

  Published on January 9, 2014
  Do you have a farm employee who could brush up on their pest management skills? Register now to ensure their spot at this pioneering workshop designed to serve specialty crop, field crop and landscape professionals.

• Integrated pest management webinars now available on demand

  Published on November 1, 2013
  MSU Extension is now offering Integrated Pest Management Academy Online, a series of online prerecorded webinars. Commercial and private core pesticide recertification credits are available for Michigan applicators.

• Consumer survey results from the 2011-2012 “Make It a Real Michigan Christmas” campaign

  Published on November 1, 2013
  MSU researchers find the campaign achieved a modest level of awareness among Michiganders. However, consumer attitudes about real Christmas trees and poinsettias haven’t changed much over the years.

• It’s a great time to take foliar and soil samples in your Christmas tree fields

  Published on October 28, 2013
  Collecting soil and foliar samples in Christmas tree fields now can help you adjust your nutrient management program for the next growing season.

• Late season insects can still affect the quality of Christmas trees

  Published on October 4, 2013
  Warmer fall temperatures may allow insects to continue to be active and affect the quality of Christmas trees before harvest.

• Pine and rose chafers are active in Christmas tree fields

  Published on June 27, 2013
  Pine and rose chafers are now appearing. Feeding causes broken, green and brown needles, leaving the trees looking ragged in appearance.

• Leader damage from birds and weevils showing up on spruce and other conifers

  Published on June 27, 2013
  Wilted or drooping leaders that were damaged from birds or white pine weevils are visible in Christmas tree fields and landscapes.

• Adults of Douglas fir needle midge have begun emerging

  Published on May 22, 2013
  Douglas fir needle midge can cause unacceptable needle loss. Larvae cause galls to form on current-year needles. Severe infestations can cause unacceptable needle loss.