Christmas Time is upon us!
As our growers fight the elements (snow and rain) to prepare our
trees for the season we hope everyone understands how much we care that
families enjoy their time together
at Christmas, much of it gathered around the family tree. We are
proud to offer quality,
farm grown trees for this festive season. As we strive to improve
our trees and your enjoyment, it is our simple hope that you and your
family enjoy a wonderful, happy and enriching Christmas. Merry
Christmas everyone!
A Walk in the Woods
(by Don Cameron, Registered Professional Forester)
Recently,
Don sent us his latest column for "A Walk in the Woods". I wanted to
reproduce it here as the article is full of insight and useful tips.
Don is an outreach forester, and is not a Christmas tree grower.
Great to have third party perspective sometimes. Thanks.
A Walk in the Woods
There’s nothing greener than Christmas
trees at Christmas time
In some ways, it is hard to believe that the Christmas season
has arrived. The unseasonably warm weather has seemed more like
October conditions in recent weeks. In other ways, the commercialism
of the Christmas season has been in full swing for several weeks.
With the unsettled economic situation we have experienced over
the last few months and years, and the increase in the price of
fuel, more people are considering how they can lessen their
ecological footprint on the environment. As well, increasing costs
always get the attention of consumers and create demand for change.
We have been aware of climate change due to the burning of
fossil fuels for many years. Unfortunately, it often isn’t until
fuel costs become very high that people look for cheaper methods of
fueling our vehicles, homes, food sources, and other conveniences.
Conversely, over the last 20 years, there has definitely been an
increased interest and effort in “being green”. There are numerous
examples of acting in a greener manner such as using recycled
materials, cutting back on the use of everyday things such as cars
or packaging, or retrofitting our homes for more efficient heating
systems.
One decision all those that enjoy Christmas trees can make is to
go green with real Christmas trees. If you haven’t yet done so, it
is time to plan for the acquisition and care of a live evergreen
tree. There is nothing like the smell and look of a natural
Christmas tree. Whether one chooses the Maritime traditional
favourite - balsam fir - or a pine, one can’t go wrong. When it is
lit and decorated in all its splendour, it helps create that special
Christmas atmosphere.
Contrary to what some people believe, real Christmas trees -
which are a renewable resource that breaks down naturally into our
soil as fertilizer - are much more environmentally friendly than
artificial trees that are made mostly out of petrochemical products.
Just imagine how long it takes an artificial tree to break down in a
landfill site when people are finished with it when they purchase a
new one that they prefer.
There is no question about the fact that the purchase of a
Christmas tree is the best deal of the Christmas season, and perhaps
the entire year. Take a moment to consider what it often takes to
grow that perfect tree for you: years of planting, shearing and
pruning the trees (usually during the heat of summer), fertilizing,
pest control, frost, drought and snow challenges, the increasing
cost of equipment, the ever increasing cost of fuel and insurance,
marketing, and finally the physically hard work of cutting, hauling,
loading and transporting the Christmas trees. It is nothing short of
a miracle that if you are purchasing your tree at a tree lot in an
urban setting, that you are not paying $100 per tree. In fact most
trees from tree lots cost between $25 and $50 each.
There are always those unforeseen things that occur to throw
wrinkles into a tree producers plan such as insect infestations,
hurricanes, sudden fuel cost increases and early snowstorms. As you
can imagine, there's a big difference between pulling a 25 pound
tree versus a 100 pound snow-covered tree out of the woods.
Despite the fact that millions of dollars worth of Christmas
trees are harvested annually in this province, many of those that
are involved with producing them are not in it for a big profit.
Sadly, when one takes into account all the time and costs required
to produce and market their trees, the dollar value for their time
can likely be counted in cents versus dollars per hour; not nearly
what it should be for the time and effort required.
The larger the size of the cultivated tree, the more time and
effort that is required to grow and shape the tree over the years.
Therefore, the larger trees are more valuable than their smaller
cousins.
Most average size Christmas trees that are seven to eight feet
tall are usually 10 to 15 years old. This is not something you can
produce in one or two years. Like maple syrup producers, Christmas
tree producers usually have a love for what they are doing.
Whether you are going "to the woods" or to the downtown corner
to get your Christmas tree, following are a few tree care tips:
* If you are going to cut trees in the forest, make sure that
you first get permission from the landowner. A family trip to a
U-cut operation is time well spent as you search for that one
perfect specimen. In u-cut lots there are always many nice trees to
choose from of different dimensions and grades.
* If you purchase a tree that has been previously cut, ask how
long ago it was cut, and if you are choosing between two candidates,
choose the one most recently cut in order to acquire the freshest
tree.
* If you are storing your tree for awhile before bringing it
inside, it is important to keep it outdoors in order to keep it cold
and in a dormant stage, and therefore fresh. If, for some reason,
you must bring it inside for storage, you should cut a section off
the stem (one centimetre or more) and immediately immerse the stem
in water for the entire time until you are ready to use it.
* When you are ready to bring the tree inside to put on its
stand, cut a section off the stem to increase the uptake of water
and then fill up your stand immediately after securing your tree to
the stand.
* It is important to use a large, stable tree stand that can
hold six or more litres of water. It is amazing that over the first
few days, a freshly cut tree can take in three to five litres of
water per day. It is essential that the tree is able to continually
take up water in order to keep it as fresh as possible. Therefore,
you should check and fill-up your tree stand water supply on a daily
basis.
* The water in the tree stand should be fresh water only, with
no additives, despite the old myths that you may have heard.
* Carefully choose the room location for your tree, away from
heat vents and open flames. Heat will obviously put additional
drying stress on the tree.
* Decorate the tree your traditional way and enjoy!
Don Cameron, RPF
Dec. 7, 2011
Provincial Retail Code of Practice for Christmas
Trees
The Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, in
conjunction with the Northeastern, Lunenburg and Cobequid Associations,
instituted a proactive campaign to promote fresh Christmas trees.
A Code of Practice has been developed that assures consumers of a fresh
cut tree with service and protection. The Christmas Tree industry
has partnered with Select Nova Scotia to produce advertising banners and
signage that promote this initiative. Only Christmas Tree Retail
operations which sign a Contract enforcing the Retail Code of Practice
can receive the promotional material.
Retailers who utilized the material this past fall tell us consumers did
appreciate the information and commitment. Now the Promotions
Committee will be working on a "take home" pamphlet for consumers.
Retail Operations that sign the Code of Practice can
receive this 3 foot by 8 foot banner, plus signs that detail the Code of
Practice. In this way retailers can illustrate to consumers why
trees purchased at their lot are fresh and satisfying. Real trees
are grown on family farms by people who truly wish that all customers
for their trees are happy with their purchase. They want to see the tree become a
joyous aspect of the celebration of Christmas. A real tree has a
warmth and softness that everyone can touch. Real trees are grown
on managed sites where they are actively replaced, so that our farms are
always stocked with young, healthy trees.
As a matter of fact, Christmas tree operations generate enough
oxygen to supply more than 19 million people In North America every day.
The banner and both signs can be purchased by retailers who have
signed the Retail Code of Practice for Christmas trees in Nova Scotia,
and who certify they meet or exceed the terms and conditions of the
contract. The signs and banner are being distributed to the
various Association offices to make it easier for retailers to pick them
up. The cost to growers or retailers is $ 20.00 for the two foot
by two foot signs and $ 120.00 for the three foot by eight foot banner.
It seems impossible to let go of
Christmas just yet. We hope everyone can enjoy their Christmas
tree as much as this family. Putting up an 18 foot tree is a long
standing tradition with the Veinot's. Thanks for sharing.
SMART Tree - it only makes cents and
scents!
Anyone wishing to purchase a share in SMART tree can download a
pdf document
for a share subscription. Remember that you may purchase up to 20
research shares, but you must also purchase just one membership share,
as the
SMART Christmas Tree
Research Cooperative Ltd. is just
that - a cooperative - where each member has one vote, regardless as
to how many shares he or she might own. We need growers to
purchase shares as the Atlantic
Canadian industry has advised government that growers will illustrate
real support for the program
through a direct share purchase.
These industry monies are a requirement for the government money to flow
to the research. This research includes a second generation seed
orchard, studies into the pheromone trap controls for needle midge, the
development of genetics and treatments to prevent cut trees from
shedding, and trees that resist insect attack. There are many more
projects underway, one should visit the Christmas
tree Research Centre at
http://nsac.ca/acc/ for more information. Just click on the
highlighted WEB address to go to the Centre. See further
information below on this page about SMART tree.
To get the pdf share purchase form just click here:
SMART Cooperative Share Subscription
(Wright photo)
This bag, which is in place
to isolate foliage from insects,
is part of Sara Lynn Fraser's
SMART Tree work to test balsam fir clones for insect resistance.
LCCTPA Fall Field Day
The Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association
will hold their Fall Field Day and Technical Session Friday and
Saturday, September 30 and October 1. The Friday evening Technical
Sessions will be held at the Days Inn Hotel in Bridgewater. The
inn is located on North Street in Bridgewater, just a short distance
from the ramp off the 103 Trans-Canada Highway. If travelling from
Halifax or Liverpool, take a left off the ramp and stay straight.
The Hotel can be reached at 902-543-7131, or on-line at:
http://www.daysinnbridgewater.ca/
The featured speaker Friday evening will be Dr. Dan Quiring from the
University of New Brunswick. Dr. Quiring is an insect specialist
who heads the Integrated Pest Management Platform for the SMART Tree
Research program. In particular, Dr. Quiring and his team are
isolating and challenging our plus tree foliage to test for insect
resistance.
Dr. Dan Quiring, Sept 30 Keynote Speaker at
LCCTPA.
Dr. Quiring and others will also be part of the Field Tour
the next morning.
Also featured Friday evening will be industry updates on the
service/specialist issue, the recent Christmas Tree Movement workshop
held by the North American Plant Protection Organization, and the new
Marketing Committee - amongst others! It will be a highly
informative session with a number of new industry iniatives being
explained.
The Christmas Tree Council will hold their fall meeting on Friday
afternoon at the Days Inn. Any grower is invited to sit in and
watch their representatives at work. The meeting is slated to
start at 1:00 PM.
Workshop on the Export and Import of
Christmas Trees in
the North American Plant Protection Organization zone of trade.
The Group Photo for the NAPPO Christmas Tree
Movement Workshop
On September 12-15 the North American Plant Protection
Organization conducted a workshop to update and refine the protocols
that will apply to the movement of Christmas trees within North America.
Interestingly, not just were NAPPO members Canada, the US and Mexico
present, but Costa Rica, Peru and Panama also participated. The
workshop was held in Salem, Oregon.
The Canadian contingent at the NAPPO meeting
included a couple of "guests".
Back row, left to right: Robert Bailey, USDA; Dr. Gary Chastagner,
University of Washington pathologist; Gerry Couture, Quebec exporter;
Gregg Cunningham, Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Seated, left to right: Matt Wright, Canadian Christmas Tree Growers
Association, Arthur Loewen, British Columbia grower and Malcolm Pelley,
CFIA.
The first day was primarily presentations from various
countries as to how their inspection protocols worked, while day two was
a fantastic field tour to Christmas tree operations around Oregon.
On the third and final day the industry presentations occurred, followed
by breakout sessions to discuss and make recommendations back to the
Forestry Panel of NAPPO as to how better regulate Christmas tree
movement.
a combination shaker - air driven cleaner for
Christmas trees.
Jim Heater's self motorized baler for large trees.
One of the insect monitoring traps.
__________________________________________________________________________
SMART Christmas Tree Research Centre
The SMART Tree
Research Centre is now officially open, with several of the laboratories
close to fully operational. On March12 the Centre was officially
opened. Here the staff gathered for a photo in one of the
laboratory hallways.
Above, MP Gerald Keddy, with sports jacket on,
talks with grower Shawn Lacey, right. It was a pleasure to have
Gerald at the Opening for the Centre as he has been instrumental in the
successful development of the SMART Tree project.
Adrian
Samson examining samples in a keepability trial.
Ross Pentz, Jim DeLong and Dr. Mason MacDonald can be seen in the
background.
The laboratories are climate controlled and a fantastic step forward for
our researchers.
Bill Smith examines some cuttings in a
research
Dr. Lada, SMART Tree Consortium Chair with
trial. Researchers Dr. Mason MacDonald and
CTCNS President Jim DeLong.
Scott Veitch in the background.
The industry also welcomes Rachel Kennedy, the recently hired manager
for the project, to the "team".
Jim DeLong, Rachel Kennedy, Dr. Raj Lada
and Ross Pentz in front of a future Clone Bank site for the
SMART Tree program.
We were able to give Rachel a quick introduction to the business with
a tour around Lunenburg County just before Christmas. One of the
stops included a visit with Tom and Debbie Reeves of T & D Nurseries on
the Forties Road in New Ross.
Tom and Debbie, center of picture, explain their
production capacity to Dr. Lada and Rachel.
You can link to the Research Centre by clicking here:
http://nsac.ca/acc/
