How Texas Christmas Trees are Grown

Planting Trees

Looking for a Land Use for Your Existing or Newly Acquired Property.

How much land is needed to grow Christmas trees?
The amount of land needed is determined by the rows and spacing of trees. With eight foot centers between trees, 681 trees per acre can be planted. Nine foot row spacing yields 538 trees per acre.
A Christmas tree grower determins spacing by the width of their mowing and spraying equipment. Some growers with small lawn tractors may plant on seven foot centers, but most growers plant their rows eight or nine feet wide. Back to top

How long does it take to grow a Texas Christmas tree?
On average, it takes three to six years for a tree to grow six to eight feet tall. Trees which are irrigated may grow faster. Since trees planted this year will be available for sale in four to five years, growers lay out plots to be planted over the next four to five years. Back to top

What kind of trees are grown in Texas?
The type of trees planted at a Christmas tree farm is determined by each farm's soil composition. Research has determined which trees work well with different soil types. The major tree species in the acidic soil of East Texas is the Virginia Pine. The best species for the alkaline soils of Central and West Texas are the Eldarica or Afghan Pine. The Leyland Cypress is showing success in both areas. Click here to learn more about the different types of trees grown in Texas. Back to top

When are new trees planted?
For every tree that is harvested during the Christmas season, one to three seedlings is planted in its place. This is done in the beginning of the new year. Back to top

What kind of equipment do Christmas tree growers use?
Each farm is different, but many Texas Christmas tree growers use a variety of equipment to maintain the farm throughout the year, including:

  • Mower
  • Backpack sprayer
  • Hand pruners
  • A dibble bar
  • A shearing knife
  • Pine tip moth monitors
  • Protective gear
  • Back to top

    How much time does it take to maintain a Christmas tree farm?
    Maintaining a Christmas tree farm is a year-round job.
    The major maintenance activities include weed control, insect control and tree shaping.
    The amount of maintenance a Christmas tree farm requires depends on the amount of trees that farm has plant. Some growers may find that planting 500 to 2,000 trees per year provides the right amount of work for their free time. Full-time growers may plant 5,000 to 10,000 trees per year. Back to top

    More Information about TCTGA using the buttons below.

    Updated Christmas Tree Growers Handbook
    information and forms for the growers handbook

    Virginia Pine Seedlings Ordering
    information and forms for the seedlings

    Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association Annual Conference
    Sign up to attend, exhibit and information on the conference.

    Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association Officers & Board

    Presidents Message Information from the TCTGA President

    Scholarship Information about TCTGA Scholarship

    TCTGA Membership Information
    including Renewals, Joining, Benefits, Rates

    Educating kids about real Christmas Trees