MSU Extension Christmas Trees

News

• 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.

• 2013 Likely to be a big year for cones in Fraser fir plantations

  Published on May 9, 2013
  Warm, dry weather in 2012 sets the stage for heavy coning for Christmas tree growers in 2013.

• Spruce gall midge adults emerging and laying eggs now

  Published on May 9, 2013
  Damage from spruce gall midge can kill individual shoots and repeated attacks can disfigure spruce trees, making them unsalable.

• Considerations for pesticide use and selection this season for growing Christmas trees

  Published on April 12, 2013
  Christmas tree growers should consider the potential negative impacts of excessive or inadequate use of pesticides and utilize IPM strategies to minimize risks.

• Pine bark adelgid becoming active in white pines

  Published on April 12, 2013
  Know how to identify pine bark adelgids and what chemical control measures are required if needed to protect tree health.

• Integrated pest management resources at MSU

  Published on April 1, 2013
  As the 2013 season approaches, get up-to-date on the latest resources and tools to help you make in-season pest management decisions.

• Tricking pine shoot beetle with trap logs

  Published on February 27, 2013
  Trap logs are very effective in reducing pine shoot beetle populations in Scotch pine Christmas tree fields. Growers enrolling in the Pine Shoot Beetle Compliance Program need to place trap logs in fields by March 1 or 15, depending on location.