Customer Information: A Reference Guide to Tree Selection

Strathmeyer Forests, Inc. is proud to offer the following information to aid our customers in selecting the best tree for their climate. Click the links below to jump to the category that interests you.

If you have any further questions, please email us at sales@strathmeyer.com.

| The Tree Table | Hardiness Zones | Facts to Consider |
| How to Start A Plantation |
| Planting Recommendations | Christmas Trees Per Acre | Tree Care |

Note that the information on this page is a guide. Contact your county agricultural agent or State Forestry Department for your specific situation.

The Tree Table

Key
E - Excellent
V - Very Good
G - Good
F - Fair
P - Poor

Species

Comments

F I R S

Douglas

E

E

E

V

G

G

G

G

G

P

4

Well-drained soils - air drainage

Canaan

V

V

-

E

V

V

F

F

P

P

2

Well-drained soils - full sun

Concolor

V

V

V

F

V

G

G

G

P

P

4

Citrus smell

Fraser

E

V

E

G

G

F

P

P

P

P

5

Well-drained soils - north slopes

P I N E S

White Pine

E

V

G

V

G

E

V

E

F

G

3

Shallow root - nice specimen tree

Scotch

V

F

V

V

P

G

F

E

P

F

2

Adjusts well to many planting sites

Austrian

V

P

F

G

G

V

P

V

F

E

3

Survives well in urban areas

Japanese Black

-

P

F

V

G

E

P

V

F

E

5

Dry, exposed sites

South- western White Pine

G

G

G

G

G

V

F

G

P

P

5

Adjusts well to many planting sites

Mugho

-

G

G

P

V

E

P

P

E

F

2

Adjusts well to many planting sites

S P R U C E S

Colorado Blue

F

V

V

P

G

E

P

V

F

P

2

Most popular ornamental spruce

Norway

P

G

G

E

G

E

V

G

F

G

2

Successful under most conditions

White

P

G

F

F

G

V

G

G

P

G

2

Prefers well-drained loam

Englemann

F

G

F

P

V

V

P

F

P

P

2

Grows on northern exposure

Black Hills

F

G

F

F

G

V

G

G

P

P

2

Pyramid shape - shade tolerant

Canadian Hemlock

-

E

E

V

G

E

G

G

E

F

3

Tolerates shade, graceful pyramid shape

Species

Comments

Key
E - Excellent
V - Very Good
G - Good
F - Fair
P - Poor

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Hardiness Zones

A Convenient Reference to U.S. Hardiness Zones
Plant material on this web site is rated with a USDA zone number. If the number is the same as, or smaller than your zone number, the plant material listed should be hardy to your locale under normal conditions.

Note that the information on this page is a guide. Contact your County Agricultural Agent or State Forestry Department for your specific situation.

	Hardiness Rating
	ZONE 3		-40° to -30°
	ZONE 4		-30° to -20°
	ZONE 5		-20° to -10°
	ZONE 6		-10° to 0°
	ZONE 7		0° to 10°
	ZONE 8		10° to 20°
	ZONE 9		20° to 30°
	ZONE 10		30° to 40°

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Facts to Consider

What species should I buy?
Here are major points to consider: 

• Consumer demand
• Distance from market and shipping quantities
• Plant adaptability to site
• Disease and insect resistance
• Stock from proven seed source
• Growth rate or rotation length
• Operator's time and commitment level

What size should I buy?
We suggest planting transplants of all varieties for direct field planting. Growers experience higher survival rates and shorter rotation lengths this way. However, good weed control can aid in survivability of bare root seedlings. The smaller seedlings should be placed in a nursery bed until they reach the desired height, then field planted.

How do I plant the trees?

• Plant tree 1/2" deeper than it grew in nursery.
• Dig holes deep enough so roots are not curled.
• Fill dirt loosely around roots and add water to the hole until it is about 3/4 full.
• Finish filling the hole with soil and pack tightly to eliminate air pockets.

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How To Start A Plantation

Planning
Think long term. Some trees mature more quickly.

Site Preparation
Competing vegetation needs to be controlled. Be sure to protect the soil from erosion and other environmental hazards.

Planting and Spacing
Trees grow straighter and taller when spaced closely, also reducing the growth of large, low branches. For you to produce premium gfade Christmas trees, we recommend the following:

Firs & Spruces: 5' x 5' spacing, 1740 trees per acre
Pine: 6' x 6' spacing, 1210 trees per acre

Weed Control
Weed control is needed until the trees are able to discourage weeds through their own shade.

Maintenance
Thin the trees before competition starts to reduce tree growth and vigor. Christmas trees require regular maintenance to achieve marketable shape.

Christmas Trees Per Acre

For you to produce premium grade Christmas trees, we recommend the following:

Firs & Spruce
5' x 5' Spacing, 1740 trees per acre.

Pine
6' x 6' Spacing, 1210 trees per acre.

Planting Recommendations

DO:

• Keep plant roots moist until planting.
• Store in cool place until you are ready to plant.
• Plant tree 1/2" deeper than it grew in nursery.
• Dig holes deep enough so roots are not curled.
• Fill dirty loosely around roots and add water to the hole until it is about 3/4 full.
• Finish filling the hole with soil and pack tightly to eliminate air pockets.

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Tree Care

Short Term Storage

Long Term Storage
Keep plants cool and roots moist. Store in cool place until you are ready to plant. Check regularly. Remove plants after a week.

Keep all nursery stock away from the sun and wind.

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To place an order, call
800-345-3406
toll free

Strathmeyer Forests, Inc.
255 Zeigler Road, P. O. Box 70, Dover, PA 17315
800-345-3406 • 717-292-5683 • Fax 717-292-4129

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