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Christmas Tree Economics: Establishing and Producing Douglas-Fir Christmas Trees in Western Oregon

James Julian, Chal Landgren, Mike Bondi and, Clark Seavert (September, 2009)

Summary

Douglas-fir is widely grown and its culturing is well understood. It grows well from the Valley floor to upper elevations, is a native species in the region, and prefers well to moderately well drained soils. Planting survival in our irrigated fields is typically around 95%. The production cycle ranges in length from 5 to 7 years depending upon site, seed source, harvest size, and grower experience. This cost of production study provides growers with a tool for financial management and decision making. It was conducted in cooperation with growers, field representatives, researchers, and farm suppliers and provides typical costs and returns to a well managed Douglas-fir Christmas tree farm in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Growers are encouraged to substitute their own costs to get an accurate accounting of their costs.