Planting Instructions and Tips to Tree Growers

Christmas Tree Shearing

In order to grow the dense symmetrical trees demanded by todays market, we must shear.  Pines should be sheared as soon as the new growth has developed and before it gets tough and woody.  In PA, this period is from about June 10 to July 15.  Shearing the new growth on pines increased the bud development and at the same time controls the shape and density of the tree.  Cutting back the terminal shoot is very important, and we suggest it be trimmed to a length of about 12 inches.  Bear in mind the side branches must be sheared in order to maintain a well proportioned tree, if they are not, the result will be a tree too wide for its height. 

Spruce, true firs, and Douglas Fir may be sheared anytime after July 1 and before March of the following year.  On spruces and firs, shearing the new growth does not increase bud development, but it does control the shape and density of the tree.  When shearing the terminal shoot on these varieties, we suggest cutting ¼ to ½ inch above one of the strong buds which are already formed along the stem.  That bud near the top will for the terminal shoot for the following year.  The rest of the shearing process is similar to shearing pines.  Your trees should be given a light shearing the second year of planting and sheared every year thereafter until harvest.  You should begin the basic shape of the tree during the first shearing a remove all double stems.  If a tree has a natural good shape with a terminal shoot less than 12 inches we suggest you do not touch it that year.  Only a light shearing is required the year you anticipate harvesting your crop of trees.  Shearing is one of the most important phases of Christmas tree production.  We suggest you attend one of the summer meetings sponsored by the various state Christmas Tree growers associations or by the agricultural extension service of various state universities.