When it comes to Christmas trees, some families prefer to have artificial trees in their home while others want 100% freshly grown firs. Fresh Christmas trees make it easier for people to obtain a tree; however, some still prefer artificial Christmas trees due to their convenience and wide variety of sizes and colors.

A lot of effort goes into cultivating a single fresh tree, let alone acres of them. The land on which these Christmas trees are grown must be carefully selected before preparations for planting and cultivation are to begin. A Christmas tree plot must be composed of smooth rolling ground with no obstructions such as other trees, rocks, shrubbery, and the like. Because this type of land is not so easy to come by, some distributors resort to growing their Christmas trees on low-quality land. This is not always an undesirable situation, as some species of Christmas tree are able to thrive in such a region, most notably the Fraser Fir.

Soil quality is also another important consideration when it comes to cultivating these Christmas trees. Several essential elements must be present and the ground must have an ideal pH level and adequate drainage. It is important for growers to note that a certain type of Christmas tree will grow well in some soils while others will not. For example, Pine trees are more ideal for sandy soils, while White firs thrive better in finer soils such as clay loam. Famers must also be highly mindful of the climate as extreme cold and heat may damage the growth of a Christmas tree fir.

Growing Christmas trees is a complicated endeavor which requires extensive tilling of the land before the actual planting process is initiated. Sometimes a bulldozer may be used to ensure that the area is sufficiently smooth and level. Some farmers use mechanized Christmas tree planters that cost up to $4,000. Seedlings are also costly, more so than artificial trees, sometimes reaching up to $300 for 1000 plants, depending on the species. After the seedlings are planted and have reached moderate growth, they must be regularly pruned to maintain the famous holiday shape.

Pests are also a troubling matter for tree growers. To this effect, most farmers make use of commercial pesticides to solve this particular problem. The most popular Christmas tree pesticide available on the market today contains an ingredient called glyphosate. Though not as dangerous as other pesticides, it has devastating effects on health when used in huge quantities. This pesticide is a danger to human embryos and may be potentially hazardous for pregnant or nursing mothers and babies. Other side effects that arise from use of this pesticide for Christmas trees include corrosive effects on the gastrointestinal tract, as well as adverse respiratory and cardiovascular ailments and skin irritation. Aside from its effects on human beings, these Christmas tree pesticides also pose a threat to environment.

With all of the intensive procedures involved in cultivating Christmas trees, it is no wonder that their artificial counterparts are gaining ground in the local market. Aside from being less costly, artificial Christmas trees come in a wider variety of sizes and colours, and the selection of pre lit artificial Christmas trees is vast, allowing families to enjoy the holiday without the usual hassles associated with Christmas trees.