Abstract
Plantation-grown Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) Christmas trees were subjected to nine shearing regimes over nine years in a plantation in western North Carolina (USA). Treatments differed in the year of onset as well as the length of the residual leader (25 to 46 cm). Long leaders (36 to 46 cm) yielded trees that were taller than trees sheared with short leaders (25 to 30 cm), but the gain in height was offset by a lower average U.S. Department of Agriculture grade. Late in the rotation, trees sheared with 36–46-cm leaders were 17–34% heavier than those with 25–30-cm leaders. Average wholesale price of trees sheared with long leaders was 57% greater than that of trees sheared with short leaders. Assuming good bud density on leaders and branches, and considering other factors as well, the optimum leader length for Fraser fir Christmas trees in western North Carolina appears to be 30 to 41 cm (12 to 16 inches). Depending on site quality and variation in bud density and vigor among individual trees, leader length can be reduced, if necessary, to increase crown density.
Highlights
Fraser fir is one of the most important Christmas tree species in the United States
Market value increased each year, but the gain from 2007 to 2008, was large compared to any other year-to-year difference (Table 2)
Tree grade improved gradually during the rotation, i.e., 55% of trees harvested in 2005 were USDA Premium or No 1 grade compared to 86% in 2009
Summary
Fraser fir is one of the most important Christmas tree species in the United States. Standard cultural practices include one annual shearing to increase crown density, usually in mid- to late-summer.Fifty years ago, non-sheared Fraser fir frequently was harvested from wild stands on isolated mountain tops in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. Fraser fir is one of the most important Christmas tree species in the United States. Standard cultural practices include one annual shearing to increase crown density, usually in mid- to late-summer. Non-sheared Fraser fir frequently was harvested from wild stands on isolated mountain tops in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. Trees had a natural appearance, distinct branch whorls, and low crown density. Production shifted to plantations well below the elevation of natural stands, and annual shearing (shaping) was adopted. Tree density progressively increased, resulting in trees that were quite dense and heavy compared to non-sheared trees
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