VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ASSOCIATION Inside this Issue: President’s Message – 3 Tree & Wreath Contest – 5 Tree Contest Winner – Now What? ‒ 6 Christmas Tree Promotion Board Update ‒ 7 What is TIP? ‒ 9 Condolences to Peter Cook ‒ 10 Thanks to Conference Sponsors ‒ 10 Soil Health ‒ 10 Save Those Grass Clippings ‒ 12 VAC Profile: Katie Frazier ‒ 12 Marketing Grant #3 Update ‒ 14 VCTGA Marketing Materials ‒ 15 Order Tree Tags – 16 VA Tech Experts Access – 16 Trees for Troops – 17 Some Trees I Won’t Grow Again, Part 2 of 3 – 18 Help News Journal! − 21 Scholarship Recipients – 21 Conference Photos – 23
Volume 5, Issue 4
Fall 2015
Grand Champions of the VCTGA Tree & Wreath Contest
Advertisers GRANCO ‒ 2 Alpha Nurseries – 4 Bosch’s Countryview Nursery – 9 Cherokee Mfg. − 11 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System ‒ 13 Riverside Enterprises ‒ 17 Tree Teck ‒ 17 Kelco ‒ 22 Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll ‒ 24
Experience a Real Virginia Grown Christmas Tree
“Progyp” provides Nutrients for Christmas Trees “Progyp” provides calcium and sulfate sulfur nutrients – two critically important nutrients for Christmas tree production and health.
Progyp is “A Soil and Plant Fertility Product” available as Land Plaster and as Granulated Gypsum.
The The product product originates originates from from aa state-ofstate-ofthe-art resulting in the-artgypsum syntheticoperation, gypsum operation, production high-quality gypsum for the resulting inofproduction of high-quality gypsum for and the agricultural turf is agricultural turf markets.and Gypsum, markets. Gypsum, is a sulfate mineral a sulfate mineral composed of Calcium composed of Calcium Dihydrate. Sulfate Dihydrate. It isSulfate a concentrated It is a concentrated source of calcium source of calcium and sulfate sulfur and sulfate sulfur nutrients proven to nutrients proven to be effective in crop effective in crop and turf production, and turf production, soil improvement,soil improvement, sustainable agriculture and sustainableand agriculture applications. applications.
23011 Airpark Drive - Petersburg, VA
800.798.5605 - Local: 804.732.6551 email: info@grancominerals.com www.grancominerals.com 2 |
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
From the President
Contributing and Coordinating Editors NCTA Sherrie Taylor Membership Paris Rasnic Technical Support & Production John Carroll & Kyle Peer Mount Rogers Report Jackie Davis Pathology & Disease Norman Dart Pests Eric Day VDACS Support & Updates Danny Neel Dave Robishaw Marketing, Promotion, & Social Media Sue Bostic Grant Updates Greg Lemmer Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Inc.
Virginia Christmas Tree 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Growers Association Inc. PH: 540-382-7310 383 Coal Hollow Rd. Fax: 540-382-2716 Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 secretary@VirginiaChristPH: 540-382-7310 masTrees.org Fax: 540-382-2716
www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org
secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Once again, I do want to recognize Tim Williams for putting together a great annual meeting! I am certain all would agree that the sessions were professionally rewarding as well as entertaining. The menus were great and the facility more than met our needs. I was particularly gratified by number and variety of trees and wreaths that were entered into the respective contests. We certainly kept Robert O’Keeffe, Greg Miller and their team of judges busy. And a special thanks to Robert for rounding up the auction items and to Danny Neel and all those present for such a spirited, philanthropic event. Our attendance was up and I have high hopes that we can host even more farms next year. Mark your calendars for August 46, 2016, our next annual meeting. We do not know for sure the location but I think we will have that decided before we get busy selling Christmas trees. Your board voted to return to our earlier format of two full days of presentations and a half of a day touring a farm. We think we can attract more vendors and allow more quality time for them to market their products. Two full days at the conference facility will accommodate additional workshops and other ‘hands-on’ activities. And we will have more opportunity for professional fellowship among ourselves. Our Board of Directors has experienced considerable turnover. We appreciate the contributions of our past directors and look forward to working with a new board. Among the changes, we decided that a nonvoting treasurer was not necessary, voted to eliminate the position and asked Robert to assume a Directorship with some fiscal responsibilities. Robert agreed and is now a voting Director.
Kathy Rasnic of Moose Apple Farm, near Berryville, completed her term and has been succeeded by her husband Paris. Together, they hosted our farm tour last year. Tim Williams has completed his term as Vice President and we convinced him to take on a one-year Directorship, so that we don’t lose his corporate knowledge and expertise, especially in planning for meetings. And John Houston, our farm tour host this past August, extends his service to the board and has been reelected to serve an additional oneyear term. Our board also includes Directors who have been elected to serve twoyear terms. All three are new to the Board. Hank Green, along with his wife Cheryl, owns and operates Hank’s Christmas Tree Farm near Markham (east of Front Royal), was elected a two-year director. Hank offers several species of trees on their chose and cut farm. He is joined by Jeff Gregson of Elkwood. Jeff and Theresa own Bees and Trees LLC, a chose and cut farm located between Culpepper and Warrenton. Steve Wolfe occupies our third two-year directorship. Steve is from Bluemont and operates a chose and cut business at Snickers Gap Christmas Tree Farm, located between Winchester and Leesburg. A couple of reminders; if your farm does not yet have a mini page, or you want to edit the content, now is a good time to get those things done before we all get busy. Just send either Jeff or me an email or give one of us a call. And, if you want or need advice on how to manage or make best use of your Facebook account, get in touch with Kelsey: Kelsey Blevins, Account Coordinator, 701 Patterson Ave, SW, Roanoke, VA 24016,Direct: 540.204.4035, kelsey@visitaccess.com kelsey@visitaccess.com Greg Lemmer, VCTGA President |3
Page 3
4 |
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
News - 2015 Tree & Wreath Contests Increased participation in this year’s contests made for an exciting annual VCTGA event at the August meeting in Roanoke. We are hoping to see even more entries next year. Remember, “I don’t grow Fraser Firs” is not an excuse to keep you from entering a tree. This year’s top three tree scores were a Colorado Blue Spruce followed by two White Pines. Thanks to our judges: Tree contest judges Tammy Lee (Holiday Inn) John Carroll (2014 winner) Greg Miller
Grand Champion Robert O’Keeffe, Rifton Farm & Nursery
2015 Tree Contest Winners Firs 1st place Sue Bostic, Joe’s Trees 2nd place John Houston, Sweet Providence Farm 3rd place Greg Miller, Willow Springs Tree Farms Spruces Greg Miller judging Tree Contest
Wreath contest judges Virginia Carroll Sherrie Taylor Dave Robishaw
1st place Robert O’Keeffe, Rifton Farm & Nursery 2nd place Greg Lemmer, Lemmerinc 3rd place Greg Miller, Willow Springs Tree Farms
Grand Champion Dreama Huffman, Spruce Ridge Farm
Wreath Contest Winners 1st place Dreama Huffman, Spruce Ridge Tree Farm 2nd place Mary Houston, Sweet Providence Farm 3rd place Stuart Sours, White Horse Farm Decorated wreaths 1st place Mary Houston, Sweet Providence Farm 2nd place Dreama Huffman, Spruce Ridge Farm 3rd place Tim Williams, Spruce Rock Farm
Pines 1st place Stuart Sours, White Horse Farm 2nd place Robert O’Keeffe, Rifton Farm & Nursery Virginia Carroll judging wreaths
Congratulations to our winners and thank you for participating.
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
3rd place Brandon Brown Boy’s Home Tree Farm Other 1st place Stuart Sours, White Horse Farm Wreath Winners, Undecorated wreaths
Mary Houston, Sweet Providence Farm, with winning wreaths
Page 5 |5
Tree Contest Winner – Now What? (Virginia Carroll’s presentation at the VCTGA Annual Meeting)
The following is a modified version of the talk presented at the annual VCTGA meeting in August. Slight modifications and editorial changes have been made to accommodate this print version as opposed to the spoken version given at during the meeting program. What's the BIG deal? Why do it? What could "winning" do for you, your business, our association (VCTGA), our industry, and our larger agriculture & forestry family in Virginia? In preparing for this talk, I asked for input from my husband and our two grown sons. My younger son, Tyler, sent me the following and I'd like to share it with you regarding his answer to the "why it's important question"? "Our family has twice had the honor of presenting a tree to the governor at the Executive Mansion. To have your business officially recognized by the governor and seeing a tree from your farm displayed in a historic landmark is truly a rewarding experience. It gives your business legitimacy in the eyes of the public and offers many promotional opportunities. Perhaps, most importantly, this experience can be utilized as a powerful marketing tool. Presenting a tree at the Governor's Mansion generates coverage through numerous digital, print, and broadcast media outlets, essentially providing your business with free advertising. Overall, this is a great experience and excellent opportunity to grow your business." Exposure, Credibility, Education, History, Pride, History, Good business, and Fun- you couldn't buy this 6 Page 6 |
kind of publicity for you, your business, VCTGA, and our industry! First of all- how do you get there? Well, it might begin or a hot and rainy or got and dry day in the middle of August. You're busy getting ready to leave from your farm and head to the VCTGA annual meeting. You in a rush and as you and your spouse are trying to determining which tree or trees to take to the contest, the discussion might lead to a request to just simply "pick one"! So, you've made your selection (following, of course, the guidelines for the contest) and you make your way to the meeting, enter your tree (or trees, if entering more than one species), and after the judging you WIN! What's next? Once you're in "the winner's circle" you are placed in the position of working with some really good people- people with VDACS, DOF, the Governor's staff and the mansion decorators (interior designers)' and, of course, VCTGA. As you go on this journey to the mansion, you'll get a behind the scenes feel as to how the event (and it is an event) comes together. VDACS does a tremendous job in handling press releases and coordinating details with the governor, the First Lady, and the mansion staff. The presentation is often scheduled the first Monday morning after Thanksgiving. The needs, wants, and wishes of "the mansion" may vary from year to year, depending on the administration and the nature of the event that specific year. For example, one year the event focused on the the 100 year anniversary of the DOF; another year, the seasonal celebrations recognized the 250 year anniversary of the Executive Mansion itself. VDACS works with the governor's staff in coordinating with the mansion staff and works with our association, VCTGA, to provide both product and event support. These teams
assists the presenters in meeting the needs, the wishes, wants, and wishes of the current year. How many trees will be needed, what sizes, what species? How many wreaths will be needed? Will these wreaths be single or double-sided? Will they be decorated or undecorated? On presentation day, plan to arrive early dressed with a seasonal flair. Be ready physically and be ready to tell your story. The event itself takes place in front of the Executive Mansion. The big presentation, the big event, is staged by the governor and his staff. The governor and/or the First Lady will be on site for the presentations. (The current governor and his wife were both on site for he presentations and ceremony their first year in the mansion.) The presentation and ceremony recognize the winners and often showcase the importance of the industry as part of the agriculture and forestry industry, acknowledging that the number one industry is Virginia is agriculture and forestry. The December official proclamation recognizing the month of December as "Christmas Tree Month in Virginia" may be read and presented to the winners. In addition to the first couple, you may be in the company of the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Secretary of Ag and Forestry, as well as other executive staff, and VDACS and DOF staffers, reporters, both print journalists and TV. Following the presentations, be ready for media interviews and additional picture taking and filming. There is often a refreshment time inside the mansion, as well as the opportunity to tour the mansion and visit further with the first couple and others in attendance. VCTGA state winners have the opportunity to enter the National Christmas Tree Association’s Tree and Wreath Contest to compete for the opportunity to present the tree at the VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
House to the President and First Lady and second place to the Vice Presidents Home.
NCTA NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST Purpose of Contest:
To promote and encourage the use of farm-fresh Christmas Trees through media events and releases about the White House Christmas Tree presentation and the Christmas Tree at the Residence of the Vice President. To select and recognize NCTA members for outstanding Christmas Tree production. These growers shall receive the honor of presenting a farm-fresh Christmas Tree to the White House and the Vice President’s residence (pending approval).
CONTEST RULES If the VCTGA Grand Champion Tree Winner meets these eligibility requirements, the winner can enter the National Christmas Tree Contest:
Each NCTA affiliated chartered association is eligible to enter four trees in the NCTA Christmas Tree Contest. (The VCTGA is an affiliated association) Entrants are to be the first and second place winners of the current year and the immediate previous year affiliated chartered association contests. Each person, family or farm may enter only one tree. Entrants shall be United States residents. Entrants shall be ‘Members in Good Standing’ of the National Christmas Tree Association and their respective affiliated charted association. All parties agree that promotion of winning status and media coverage shall be coordinated through the NCTA office. (This
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
aids NCTA in keeping its covenant with the White House to gain proper approvals and ensures that the program is used to promote all real Christmas Trees, not specifically one species or region. Promotional participation by the contest winners and his/her chartered association is encouraged.) All parties agree to promote the Real Tree industry in a positive manner. Winners will be an ambassador for the industry.
The First and Second Grand Champions shall each be awarded a purple ribbon and a recognition plaque. The First Grand Champion will choose which year to furnish a tree for the Blue Room in The White House, the Christmas in the same year as the contest was held or the Christmas in the following year after the contest was held. The Second Grand Champion will furnish a tree for the Blue Room in The White House in the year that the First Grand Champion did not choose. Presentation of a Christmas Tree to The White House is subject to approval and permission granted by The White House. The First and Second Reserve Champions shall each be awarded a light purple ribbon and a recognition plaque. The First Reserve Champion will choose which year to furnish a tree for the Residence of the Vice President, the Christmas in the same year as the contest was held or the Christmas in the following year after the contest was held. The Second Reserve Champion will furnish a tree for the Residence of the Vice President in the year that the First Reserve Champion did not choose. Donation of the Christmas tree to the Vice President’s residence is subject to approval and permission granted by The Residence.
In 2013, Rodney Richardson provide the tree for the Vice President’s Residence
(l-r) VDACS Commissioner Matt Lohr, Rodney Richardson and Jackie Davis selecting the VP’s tree
Progress for Christmas Tree Promotion Board
CTPB Board Members at NC – The Christmas Tree Promotion Board members and staff are joined by USDA representative, Patty Petrella at the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association meeting.
Centennial, Colorado – The Christmas Tree Promotion Board met in late August in North Carolina to continue its mission of promotion and research for the Christmas tree industry. The board met formally over a two-day period and also had the opportunity to participate in portions of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association’s summer meeting being held in Alleghany County. “I was so pleased that we could meet with growers and industry leaders in North Carolina,” commented CTPB chairperson, Betty Malone. “There is no substitute for one-on-one dialog regarding issues and ideas for the |7
Page 7
successful execution of our industrywide promotion and research order.” Industry Communications On the lengthy board agenda for this meeting, many items fell under the umbrella of industry communications. The board took action on the recommendation by the Industry Relations Committee and selected netStride to develop the Christmas Tree Promotion Board website. Prior to this meeting, CTPB staff reviewed more than 30 applications from web designers and narrowed the field to six for the Industry Relations Committee to review. The Industry Relations Committee recommended netStride as their top choice and presented that to the board. Staff will be working closely with netStride to begin initial work on the website with the goal of being on-line in October. Initially, the website will serve as a tool to communicate with the industry, media and general public regarding the Christmas Tree Promotion and Research Order and our programs. Another significant communications project includes the preparation of a mailing that will be distributed in October to all Christmas tree growers. This mailing will provide information on the Christmas Tree Promotion and Research Order, activities of the board and what producers need to know about reporting following the upcoming harvest. Promotion The Promotions Committee, chaired by Jim Heater, is charged with recommending a promotional campaign for the industry working within the budget set by the board. Because the Christmas Tree Promotion Board will not be collecting funds at a significant level until at least December, promotional efforts for 2015 will most likely include social media, “earned media” and other public relations opportunities. In early 2016, the 8Page 8 |
Promotions Committee will begin to interview agencies to execute a promotional campaign.
CTPB Members in Field – Members of the Christmas Tree Promotion Board enjoy the farm tour at the North Carolina meeting
The Promotions Committee was provided some consumer insights through feedback from two focus groups executed in mid-August in Denver by Tim O’Connor and Marsha Gray. These two focus groups included Millennials and artificial Christmas tree users and probed their feelings about real Christmas trees. Although this was just one small sampling and the CTPB plans to undertake more consumer research in the future, there were a few strong themes that surfaced:
consumers select artificial trees because they are easy real Christmas trees are closely associated with family time, making memories and are a more emotional purchase
Further, participants had the opportunity to react to a number of possible promotional campaign ideas and themes. Their feedback provided strong direction for the board. Research Initially, much of the research that the CTPB will undertake will likely be consumer research; learning more about what consumers want and expect, and what may encourage them to be real Christmas tree customers in
the future. Another area that the board is currently considering for the research component of the program is in the area of fire safety; developing and distributing accurate fire safety information regarding real Christmas trees to fire officials. Jim Rockis, Research Committee Chairperson, advocated for this type of program. “We have an opportunity to help educate those in fire safety” noted Rockis. “When fire chiefs and other fire officials understand the truth about real Christmas trees, they are much less likely to participate in staged events burning Christmas trees and more likely to share accurate tree care information.” Compliance One of the important responsibilities of the board is assessment collections and compliance, and this will provide a unique set of challenges for a startup program that depends on self-reporting by its producers. However, the board is committed to fairly collecting assessments from all qualified growers (those who cut and sell or import 500 or more Christmas trees this season). “It is critical that we make every effort to collect assessments from all qualified growers and importers – large and small,” comments Jim Heater. “Fairness is what this is all about. With the participation of all growers and importers, we can create greater demand for real Christmas trees. When we work together, I see a bright future for the industry!” The Christmas Tree Promotion Board Names Committee Members to the Industry Relations Committee Betty Malone, Oregon Committee Chair Mark Steelhammer, Washington – Vice Chair Ellen Church, NC Della Deal, NC Fritz Ellett, OR VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015
Pat Gaskin, NC Dugald Kell, ME Scott MacKinnon, Nova Scotia Steve Meier, MO Dave Vander Velden, WI Promotions Committee Jim Heater, OR – Committee Chair Chris Maciborski, MI – Vice Chair Ashley Ahl, WI Mark Arkills, OR Sue Bostic, VA Travis Drexler, NY Phil Hunter, WA Rex Korson, MI Nigel Manley, NH Carrie McClain, NC Wendy Richardson, IL Bob Schaefer, OR Fred Somerville, Ontario
For More Information Contact: Tim O’Connor, Executive Director, 303-229-9198, tim@timoconnormarketingandstrategy.com
Thank you for your association's continuing commitment to the Tree Industry Partnership (TIP)
The TIP program is essential to NCTA's mission to protect and advocate for the farm-grown Christmas tree industry. The funds collected through the program are vital in supporting NCTA's legislative and regulatory initiatives, holiday safety, research, national media advocacy and other protection-focused programs. These programs allow the industry to:
Combat misinformation about farm-grown Christmas Trees and the industry as a whole.
Improve and maintain codes that allow for the safe use of Christmas Trees in homes and businesses.
Support legislation and regulations conducive to the growth of small businesses, and resist attempts to unreasonably restrict farmers' Right to Farm.
Conduct national consumer and industry research to prepare for the future.
Shape consumer opinion through information and education, as well as positive events such as the White House Tree presentation.
While the TIP program is designed for the greater good of the industry,
Ad – Bosch’s Countryview Nursery 10785 84th Avenue • Allendale, Michigan 49401 Phone: (616) 892-4090 • Fax: (616) 892-4290 Email: brian@boschsnursery.com www.boschsnursery.com
Wholesale Price List for
Quality Seedlings & Transplants Age
Size
Per 100 Rate
Per 1,000 Rate
Age
Size
Per 100 Rate
Per 1,000 Rate
FRASER FIR (2-2, PL+2) 8-15” $110.00 $750.00 (3-2, PL+2) 10-18” $115.00 $775.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $125.00 $850.00
WHITE SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-20” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2) 15-24” $110.00 $750.00
BALSAM FIR (P+1) 8-14” $86.00 $575.00 (P+2) 10-18” $110.00 $750.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $115.00 $795.00
NORWAY SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-24” $90.00 $650.00 (2-2) 15-24” $110.00 $750.00 (X-LG) 20-30” $250.00 XXX
CANAAN FIR (P+1) 8-14” $90.00 $595.00 (P+2) 10-18” $115.00 $795.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $125.00 $850.00 DOUGLAS FIR - Lincoln (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” (2-1) 12-18”
$40.00 $175.00 $86.00 $575.00
CONCOLOR FIR (2-0) 5-12” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1, P+1) 8-14” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2, P+2) 10-18” $115.00 $795.00 COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE - San Juan & Kiabab (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 10-16” $82.00 $550.00 (2-2, P+2) 10-18” $110.00 $750.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $115.00 $795.00
Ad_1_BW.indd 1 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
BLACKHILL SPRUCE (2-0) 5-12” (2-1) 6-12” (2-2) 12-18” (X-LG) 15-24”
$40.00 $175.00 $75.00 $495.00 $110.00 $750.00 $250.00 XXX
SERBIAN SPRUCE (2-0) 8-14” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1, P+1) 8-15” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2, P+2) 12-18” $115.00 $795.00 AUSTRIAN PINE (2-0) 6-12”
$40.00 $175.00
RED PINE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 6-14”
$45.00 $225.00
Age
Size
Per 100 Rate
Per 1,000 Rate
WHITE PINE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 6-14” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1) 8-14” $82.00 $550.00 (2-2) 12-18” $110.00 $750.00 (X-LG) 18-24” $250.00 XXX SCOTCH PINE - Scothighland + French (2-0) 6-12” $35.00 $165.00 (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 WHITE CEDAR (2-0) (3-0) (2-1) (2-2)
4-8” 8-15” 8-15” 12-18”
$40.00 $60.00 $82.00 $110.00
$195.00 $295.00 $550.00 $750.00
ARBORvITAE - DARK GREEN, TECHNY, EMERALD & GREEN GIANT (RC+1) 6-12” $125.00 $850.00 (RC+2) 12-18” $165.00 $1,100.00 Discount on orders over 10,000 plants For complete list please write or call us. Brian Bosch / Owner
|9 Page 9
7/9/13 11:01 AM
VCTGA members also receive specific benefits, including:
A FREE basic listing on the NCTA Tree Locator, or an enhanced listing for $15
A link to their own website for $25
Discounted registration for NCTA events
The opportunity to purchase a discounted subscription to the American Christmas Tree Journal for $37, a savings of more than $20 off the regular price
Do not hesitate to contact us at any time with your questions and concerns, and thank you for your work as an industry partner. Blake Rafeld, NCTA President Contact: Lauren Mangnall, Program Mgr, mangnall@realchristmastrees.org
Thanks to these Generous Sponsors of the Annual Conference! GOLD SPONSORS Beverage Tractor - Kubota Anonymous
SILVER SPONSORS Claybrooke Farm Crop Production Services Farm Credit Southern States Cooperative Virginia Farm Bureau
Condolences to Peter Cook Long time VCTGA member, Peter Cook, lost his wife unexpectedly in August after a brief illness. He generously donated his meeting registration to the VCTGA Scholarship Fund. Elizabeth McCreary Simonds Cook of Berryville, VA and Siasconset, MA died peacefully with her family by her side at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville on Thursday, August 13, 2015. The cause of death was an aggressive systemic infection following a short illness. She was 67. The complete obituary is online at http://www.winchesterstar.com/files/uploads/obituaries/pdf/55d7985a-11d44f3a-93bd-0817b68152da.pdf Peter J. Cook PO Box 187 Berryville, VA 22611-0187 pjcook2000@yahoo.com www.OaklandTreePlantation.com
Page 10 10 |
Maryland Christmas Tree Growers Talk Soil Health “In a healthy handful of soil there are more microorganisms than there are people living on the face of the Earth.” Dean Cowherd, Assistant State Soil Scientist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Maryland, spoke about challenges of having a healthy soil at the Maryland Christmas Tree Association Summer Meeting at Pine Valley Christmas Trees, in Elkton, MD, on Saturday, June 27. “Microorganisms create a soil glue that creates structure in the soil, holding soils together and keeping them intact so they will not erode as much,” Cowherd said, addressing the group of Christmas tree growers. Bill Underwood, the owner of Pine Valley Christmas Trees, knows his soil. He knows where he can and cannot grow Fraser firs, Christmas trees valued for their soft needles that stay on the tree through the holiday season. “Fraser firs are fussy,” Underwood said. He knows he can only plant them in his best soil, but he doesn’t know why some of his soil will grow them and some won’t.
Thanks to Tim Williams,
VCTGA VP, for planning and organizing, another great Annual Meeting and Farm Tour!
After looking at the soil, Cowherd had the answer. “This soil is nearly dead,” he said, indicating the heavy clay layer at the top of the soil profile. “It is interesting that the soil at the bottom is just dry as a bone. This clayey layer on top is preventing the water from going down. This is a real issue. What’s on top of the ground is the heavy stuff. You hit that heavy stuff and it’s going to be a barrier.” A barrier that the roots of the Fraser fir tree cannot penetrate.
VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
“So what do you solve this problem with?” one Christmas tree grower asked. The traditional answer has been subsoiling. But, as Cowherd explained, that isn’t good for those important microorganisms. “One recommendation we’re trying is radishes. With subsoiling, you’re killing the microorganisms and with the radishes you’re increasing them.” Besides opening up the soil, breaking up any clayey layers, and helping the microorganisms, tillage radishes also increase the organic matter in the soil. “One percent organic matter in one acre, six inches thick holds 160,000 gallons of water,” Cowherd said. “The main things with organic matter are to not lose it and to increase it. To do either one of them you go to some
sort of cover crop, such as radishes. A living root growing in the soil produces organic matter and holds it together.” Cowherd later demonstrated the importance of organic matter with a slake test. He took two samples of dried soil, one with three percent organic matter and the other with only one percent organic matter, and placed them in wire baskets submerged in beakers of water. “These clods have hundreds upon thousands upon millions of tiny pore spaces. And the slake test shows how easily they fall apart when water hits them.” The results were almost immediate. The poor soil with low organic matter, started to fall apart upon impact. Tapping the glass sent a shower of soil particles to the bottom of the glass. While in the soil rich in organic
matter, very little of the soil fell apart, even when the glass was tapped. “In this [the organic rich] soil, the water is rushing in and the soil is acting like a sponge. If you let this sit here and come back tomorrow you’ll find that it still has the body to it.” “Is our problem in Maryland erosion? Or is our problem infiltration?” Cowherd asked. “The question we’re asking now is, how do you make that [low organic matter] soil become that [high organic matter] soil?” The answer comes in using cover crops. These increase organic matter and microbial activity; improving the soil structure allowing for optimal use of rain water. Making Fraser firs happy. At Pine Valley Christmas Trees, Underwood has been planting trees in the same rows for a few 10 year rotations. The soil in the rows has been depleted of organic matter while the
Ad – Cherokee Manufacturing
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Page 11 | 11
soil in between the rows has been building it up. By planting trees in the between row space and using radishes and compost, Underwood hopes to improve his soil health and make his Fraser firs happier. NRCS provides farmers with free technical assistance for their land. To learn more about improving soil health on your farm, contact your local NRCS office or visit www.md.nrcs.usda.gov . By Josie Dallam, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/md/home/
Save Those Grass Clippings We all know the importance of a good grass cover for the trees we grow. A good grass cover contributes much for the soil and the tree roots benefits from such coverings. A good cover can and does at least three things to benefit good quality trees, be it choose and cut or for larger volumes on the wholesale level. Grass covers helps hold in moisture in the root zone, reduces unwanted weed species and keeps roots cool especially the exotic or non-native tree species. I have expanded a bit of personal research in using grass clippings from the lawn areas being bagged mowed. I collect these clippings and fallen leaves and pile them around young trees just planted in the spring or this past fall. What happens the clippings decomposes and goes into the soil and adds another nitrogen source for the root system. Repeated additions of clippings around young trees only enhances the root system as organic matter becomes more abundant yearly. Rainfall or irrigation reveals higher levels of moisture available when the mowing rows are not as fortunate to be as moist. Here again roots are cool Page 12
12 |
as spruce and fir species needs cool soils to grow and thrive in especially as non-natives. Observing this practice of grass clipping collection has seen an additional flush of growth, especially where the branch has been trimmed back. The trees are a deeper green color and this is very pleasing. Although my soil type requires additional fertilizers for optimum growth, saving these clippings are a big help to nourish the trees and hold down weeds. All of my younger trees such as Norway spruce, Turkish, Douglas, Concolor, and Grand firs are bedded down with sufficient clippings to make the job worthwhile. Even a small patch of blue spruce has shown remarkable growth and a more intense blue color. If there areas of bare ground the sun quickly heats the soil where the lateral roots grows and a good amount of clippings will reverse an otherwise damaging effects of potential loss to the trees. Bare ground is not good to deal with. The roots suffers from very hot or cold soils and a lack of moisture is almost instantaneous death. Erosion from rains and wind exposes roots to the worst the elements can dish out. I bag mow my lawn areas and around the lake. All these clippings are a valuable resource and good source of nitrogen, as well as other essential elements present in the grass. All grass clippings of any species is valuable whether it's a warm or cool season grass. The decomposition of the clippings adds upper most soil layer of the soil profile where rich, organic matter takes place. The tree roots have a readily available source to draw from - fertile soil that is rich in a variety of chemical elements. N, P and K are the major elements along with the minor elements from which all conifer tree species used as Christmas trees are needed to produce the best quality tree as possible. Consider
adding more natural supplemental fertilizer in the form of grass clippings to your trees and see what develops. Submitted by Tommy Naylor, tenaylor07@embarqmail.com North Lake Christmas Tree & Nursery
VAC Staff Profile: Katie Frazier
Katie grew up in Bridgewater in the Shenandoah Valley, where there were (and still are) horse posts for the horse and buggies at the post office right around the corner. Her grandfather still lives on the remaining 120 acre farm that was part of the original family land. With a father who served on the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors for most of her life, it shouldn't have surprised her parents when she came home in 3rd grade and announced she wanted to be a lobbyist when she grew up. Katie credits her high school FFA advisor for encouraging her to consider what she wanted to lobby for telling her it should be something she had a passionate belief in. This passion led her to Virginia Tech, where she graduated in 2004 with degrees in Agricultural and Applied Economics and Political Science. From 2004- 2011, Katie served as the Council's Vice President of Public Affairs. She left in the summer of 2011 to join the Alliance Group VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
where she managed and lobbied for the Virginia Wine Council and the Virginia Grain Producers Associations. Since returning in July 2012, Katie has served as President of the Council. She is responsible for administration, oversight, board and member relations, and lobbying on behalf of the Council's members. Katie has spent much of her career focusing on environmental issues, including the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, and spends quite a bit of time speaking to groups in and outside of Virginia about water quality impacts. Katie also works on state budget issues, where she readily admits it takes more time than most other lobbying! Katie celebrates her son Palmer's preK graduation with husband Eric this summer. If you ask Katie what she's doing outside of work, it will involve time with her immediate and extended family.
Katie and her husband Eric, also a Hokie, have been married for almost 10 years, and are the proud parents of an active and engaging son, 5 year old Palmer, and their 13 year old dog Toby. When she's not with her family, Katie loves to exercise, be outside, try her hand at cooking and gardening, and enjoy good wine, beer, and football (especially the Hokies). Three Things You Might Not Know About Katie:
When she was in college, Katie spent a summer on a mission trip in Thailand. While there, she taught English in Thai schools, helped rebuild structures in a remote village, and even planted rice for a few days. Katie tries to train and run 3-4 half marathons a year, and if she had it her way, she'd run through the farming community of Montezuma in Rockingham County
almost every day. Her favorite running partner is her mother, Maggie, a marathon runner herself. Crediting her husband, Katie has an eclectic musical taste that she is happily passing on to their drum-playing son Palmer. When the Frazier’s are home, you'll find a mix of Loretta Lynn, Michael Jackson, Old Crow Medicine Show (Palmer's favorite of the moment), and Christian artists playing! Provided by the Virginia Agribusiness Council
Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Page 13 | 13
speakers were brought in to discuss marketing and advertising subject matter.. Each attendee was given a tote bag with samples of each of the promotional materials available for their use. (See attached Program.) September 25, 2015 REF: Final Report FY 2012 Specialty Crop Grant MOU 2012-436
Phase III - Marketing Expansion Initiative Promoting Virginia Grown Christmas Trees • Activities Preformed Website - In 2015, additional work was completed on the VCTGA website www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org to make a second version of the tree care instructions available on any mobilefriendly device. This version is also linked to price/care tags members can use on their trees. Consumers can continue to look up more extensive how-to care information for their trees (more than is available on the small tag) and safety information after they are home. We have placed an order for 35,000 tags. (see attached copy of the tree tag.) In conjunction with previous updates, consumers will be able to find choose-and-cut farms and retail locations on their mobile devices from anywhere and get immediate information on the nearest location on the location that has the specific tree or seasonal product they are looking for. This feature has been enhanced for easier use based on consumer feedback for the previous season. At the Annual Meeting and Conference, August 13-14, 2015, 14Page 14 |
State Fair -The VCTGA again collaborated with the Virginia Green Industry exhibits at the 10day 2014 State Fair of Virginia. With support from the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, we distributed 650 copies of the "Virginia Grown Christmas Trees Guide" (http://www.virginia.org/VirginiaTreeFarms , as well as VCTGA promotional material. The exhibit was staffed by VCTGA members at key traffic times. The State Fair attendance this year was, considerably above the record of 230,000 in 2013. As far as the educational tours, the number of students was around 8,000 and the VCTGA exhibit was one of the designated stops in their agriculture tour. Governor Terry McAuliffe stopped by the VCGTA exhibit and is very supportive of the Virginia Christmas Tree industry. Caitlin Runyan of Senator Mark Warner’s office along with Brad Copenhaver or the Virginia Agribusiness Council visited our exhibit.
We are placing two 15-second videos featuring “Experience a Real Tree” on public TV WVPT “Virginia Farming” at the beginning and end of their program once a week. Other state and regional Events •
Another consumer event, The Christmas Show, October 31 November 2, 2014, had VCTGA members staffing the exhibit the entire time answering consumer questions, providing promo materials and contact information for local Christmas Trees.
•
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Field Day, August 14, 2014 -The VCTGA display was setup and numerous promotional materials and brochures were distributed to potential wholesale buyers. The attendance was approximately 125 for the day at Virginia Tech. Problems and Delays -one of the biggest problems has been getting member volunteers to help setup and staff the various exhibits around the state. Many of the events have fallen on time periods when producers are busy with farm maintenance and preparing for selling season. •
The following promotional materials were distributed: Over 900 refrigerator magnets 150 grocery list pads 2100 pencils 700 grocery tote bags 120 Post-It note pads 450 "Experiences a Real Tree" brochures 150 "Buy/Sell a Real Virginia Christmas Tree"
The use of some of the promotional materials by members in marketing in their local area has been less than anticipated.
Future Project Plans •
This is the final report for this grant.
Jeff Miller, Secretary/Treasurer, Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Inc
VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Firm/Company Name: Address: City: Farm Phone: Email:
State: Phone:
Check Preferred
Web/Low Print/High Resolution Resolution
Member Price
Non‐ Member Price
Free
$150.00
6/23/14
Type PHOTOS:
Photos Hi/Res Child/Star/Tree Couple/Baby/Tree Family/Buy/Tree How Bout This One Kids Running Trees/Snow VCTGA Logo Print VCTGA Logo Web
All zipped
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS Brochure Consumer Brochure Buyer/Seller Banner Only 3x6’ Banner & Retractable Stand Sign 18” X 24” Christmas Tree Tags Farm Sign
TOTAL
Zip:
Loan for consumer events, fairs, club meetings “H’ wire stand & grommets Front/Back sign Tree pricing/care tag
Free Free Free Free Free Free Free Free Free
$150.00
Free Free $75@
$30/100 $30/100 $150.00 @ Shipping to you & return
$48.00
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
$150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 N/A N/A
$20@
$11.00/100 $25.00
$20.00/100 N/A
Quantity Amount
$150.00
Free
1
Total
$
Materials for Members are FREE, just pay for Shipping/Handling $ Make Check payable to VCTGA Check # Credit Card # Expires (Req.) Circle One Visa Mastercard AmExpress Discover Security # (Req.) Signature:
Mail to: VCTGA 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073‐6721 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 Or fax with credit card info to: 540‐382‐2716
Questions Call: 1‐540‐382‐7310 Email: secretary@virginiachristmastrees.org
| 15
Experts Directory from Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences now available BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 3, 2015 – Need to find an expert on agricultural productivity or animal genetics? Bioengineering or bioluminescence? Climate change or community development? Diabetes or drought? Look no further than the new Experts Directory that contains detailed descriptions of nearly 300 authoritative sources from the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Members of the media, fellow scientists, and others can easily find the expert they are searching for using keywords, departments, subject area, or names. A new Newsroom site also is available where you can learn about the latest news from the college,
16Page 16 |
trends in agriculture, upcoming events, videos, research blog posts, and more. Go online to learn about the worldclass research being conducted by faculty members and the wide array of experts in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
economics to human health. Students learn from the world's leading agricultural scientists, who bring the latest science and technology into the classroom. Zeke Barlow 540-231-5417 zekebarlow@vt.edu
Nationally ranked among the top research institutions of its kind, Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences focuses on the science and business of living systems through learning, discovery, and engagement. The college's comprehensive curriculum gives more than 3,100 students in a dozen academic departments a balanced education that ranges from food and fiber production to
VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Trees for Troops 2015
Will you be a donor this year? Contact: Will you be a donor this Carroll year? John Claybrooke Farm
claybrookefarm@gmail.com (540) 872-8026
Contact: John Carroll Claybrooke Farm claybrookefarm@gmail.com 540-872-8026
Virginia Donors in 2014 Virginia Donors in 2014& Farms Bottomley’s Evergreen Bottomley's Evergreen Idywild Tree Farm & Farms Idywild Tree Farm Joe’s Trees Joe's Trees Little RiverTree Tree Farm Little River Farm Lonesome Pine Tree Farm, Lonesome Pine Tree Farm, Rob Rob & Zelda Richardson & Zelda Richardson Mt. Rogers Tree Farm, Rodney Mt. Rogers Tree Farm, Rodney Richardson Richardson New River Tree Co. RiftonRiver Tree Farm New Tree Co. Rosser Christmas Tree Farm Rifton TreeFarms Farm Sexton Tree Rosser TreeFarm Farm Sievert’sChristmas Christmas Tree Slaughter's Tree Farm Sexton Tree Farms Smokey Holler Tree Farm, LLC Sievert’s Christmas Tree Farm Sweet Providence Farm Slaughter’s Tree Farm Whitehorse Tree Farms Willow Springs Farms Smokey HollerTree Tree Farm, LLC Sweet Providence Farm Whitehorse Tree Farms Willow Springs Tree Farms
Ad – Riverside Enterprises
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
VCTGA Promotional Frig Magnets available for VCTGA members to distribute at events, meetings, etc. Call VNLA Office for free quantities. 540-382-7310
Ad – Tree Teck
Page 17 | 17
Some Trees I Won’t Grow Again, Part 2 of 3
11-year old, 8-ft. tall Turkish fir. Larger than the average for these 2-2s planted in spring 2005.
This is a follow-up on an earlier article in the VCTGA newsletter (Winter 2015) about Christmas tree species we have grown but won’t grow again. It may be viewed as a cautionary tale by those who may be considering growing some of these species or, for those who are already growing them, it may provide a useful comparison with your experience. The earlier article discussed Serbian spruce, Meyer spruce, and Southwestern White pine and my reasons for not growing them again. This article focuses on Turkish and Nordman fir. I would like to start with a brief digression before proceeding with the main story. (This digression will be particularly appreciated by my treegrowing friend David Huffman, who would be disappointed if I did not beat around the bush at least a bit.) First, in an earlier issue of this newsletter (Fall 2014), I noted that if you could read only one of the five books discussed about growing Christmas 18Page 18 |
trees, I would suggest Christmas Tree Production Manual, ed. James E. Robinson. I still think that is a reasonable choice for someone who wants to read a concise, typical overview of growing Christmas trees. At that time, however, I noted that “…I would really hate to be constrained to only one book, the others just have too much to offer.” (p. 20) now, after recently referring to the Hilliker monograph (plus the Addendum), I realize that I must suggest it as a valuable complement to any of the more typical books. The Hilliker monograph, discussed in the Fall 2014 issue of this newsletter, covers so many useful topics in considerable detail, it is different from the other books. Second, I would like to pass along the results of my latest annual Christmas tree-burning exercise, as described in two earlier issues of the VCTGA newsletter (Fall 2005 and Spring 2008). After nearly five weeks in our house, during which the tree was well cared for, I took the tree outside and tried to set it on fire. I used the same technique I have used each year since about 2000. I loosely balled up a double sheet of a newspaper, stuffed it in among the lower branches, and lighted the paper with a match. I got the same result that I got in all of the other years – there was a flame that briefly flared up creating a lot of crackling noise and smoke, and then the fire fizzled out. This year, the victim of my firebug tendencies was an eight-foot Canaan fir. In other years, I have gone after pines, spruces, cypresses, and firs with the same outcome. We could have brought any of the trees back into the house and turned the burned area to the wall, and no one would have known the difference, except for the smell. Now to proceed with the main story, starting with a few brief reminders. First, I recognize that some of you
may have grown the trees I will discuss and are pleased with them because of having had a different experience, or you have different preferences with respect to a tree’s growth rate, morphology, or aesthetics. Second, our farm, near Woodstock in the northern Shenandoah Valley, is characterized by relatively heavy soil with relatively high levels of nutrients, which may have led to a different outcome than someone else experienced. Our farm is at an elevation of about 1,100 ft., and the winters are probably colder than those farther south and east in Virginia. Third, the trees were planted in several different years, different seasons of the year, different fields, grown to full sale-size of seven-to-eight feet, and at least 100 were planted each time. Thus, my judgments about these trees are not based on just a brief experience with the trees, or a single planting or field, any of which might have resulted in an atypical outcome. Turkish fir is a tree I won’t grow again, because the negative characteristics of the tree significantly outweigh its beautiful foliage. We first planted Turkish fir, 2-2 transplants, in the spring of 2005. On the positive side, I think the tree has particularly pretty foliage with deep- green, shiny needles; it is a real eye-catcher. Second, our Turkish firs had a relatively high survival rate. Third, we found this tree to be more tolerant of wet soil than other firs. Finally, this fir has been pest free--no spider mites, bagworms, or sawflies, and no needlecast or other fungus. It is possible that our pest-free experience with Turkish fir won’t continue indefinitely. At some point, this exotic fir may be discovered by a pathogen or local critter (to use one of Eric Day’s technical words), and our pest-free days will be over. (I can imagine our tree pathogen and insect VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015
experts, Norm Dart and Eric Day, thinking to themselves “Count on it!”). But, we have planted Turkish firs five times since our initial planting of these firs in 2005 and have had no pests yet. Unfortunately, the list of negative attributes of the tree is long and substantial.
numerous close-to-the-ground laterals quickly become quite thick even as the tree continues to put up tiny leaders of an inch or so. For example, while basal pruning (February 7, 2015), I pruned an entire whorl of lower branches off of an 18-inch tall Turkish fir that was planted in the fall of 2008; the branches were ¾-inch in diameter, and the leader was threeinches long.
7-year old, 31-inch tall Turkish fir. My fists show the width of the tree prior to my shearing it in August.
7-year old, 31-inch tall Turkish fir. A yardstick is in center of tree, and my finger is on the leader tip. It is six-inches to a foot shorter than the aver-age for these 3-1’s planted in fall 2008.
First, the tree grows very slowly. Indeed, the typical four-to-six-inch tall, 2-2 transplant puts up one or more one-inch leaders for the first few years, or no leader at all in some years. After that, it is likely to put up leaders of well under 12 inches for a couple more years before finally sending up 12-inch or longer leaders. Second, Turkish firs are susceptible to frost damage which may eliminate any growth at all for the upcoming growing season, thus exacerbating the inherently slow growth of the tree. Third, probably because of the very slow early growth, the Turkish fir puts out a large number of densely grouped lateral branches in the lower one-third of the tree. Moreover, these VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Moreover, this was not the initial whorl of thick branches that I had pruned from that tree! This is a typical experience with my Turkish firs. To top off all of this, I can count on these trees to continue putting out a lot of little branches along the handle I have attempted to create. Unfortunately, basal pruning tends to be a major undertaking on Turkish firs if you, like me, try to have a fairly clean and substantial handle on your trees. Fourth, by the time the tree is sevenfeet tall, the trunk is relatively large, making more work for your customers when cutting down their tree with a handsaw. Fifth, the grower had best be extremely watchful when the tree is small-to-medium size and putting out very short leaders, because one of the long, very thick branches immediately below the tiny leader may become the leader even though it is growing off at a 30-degree angle. It is best just to cut off such branches to avoid the problem; they are too stiff
to tie up as leaders. There is no worry about cutting off all such branches at this stage, because the branches down toward the base of the tree are so numerous. Sixth, even with conscientious shearing, the Turkish fir often winds up with a broader taper than I expect and prefer on a fir. Seventh, overall this fir frequently has a dense branch structure, especially for a fir. This dense branch structure, combined with the thick branches and trunk, results in a tree that is relatively heavy and cumbersome for customers to handle. It appears that most of the problems that I see in a Turkish fir are probably a result of the tree’s very slow growth. In any event, whatever the source of the problems, I won’t grow this fir again, despite the beautiful foliage; it’s not worth the extra work and aggravation. By the way, we found that although the foliage on the Turkish fir is really pretty, the cuttings are frequently not suitable for making wreaths. The problem is that the single branch tips are often too long (without side shoots), and if it has side shoots coming off of the tip shoot, they are so long that the cutting is simply too broad for a wreath. Additionally, the stems on the tips are often thick and not well suited to go into a wreath-clip along with other greens cuttings. We planted Nordman firs at the same time and in the same fields as Turkish firs. Our experience with the Nordman firs was almost identical to our experience with Turkish firs. Thus, it should be no great surprise that Nordman and Turkish are quite similar in various respects, and both are socalled Mediterranean firs that are indigenous to the mountains north of the Mediterranean Sea. Like the Turkish fir, Nordman fir has very pretty, shiny, deep-green needles, and it is relatively tolerant of wet soil. Although pretty, the needles do not quite live up to those of the Turkish | 19 Page 19
fir in that they tend to be a bit longer, broader, and more curved giving the tree a slightly coarse appearance. But, that is a minor complaint about otherwise very pretty foliage. For me, all of the negative characteristics of the Turkish fir apply equally to the Nordman fir, so I won’t repeat them. I suspect that, as with the Turkish fir, most of the Nordman’s shortcomings are due to its very slow growth. Because these two exotic firs produce tiny leaders and many long, thick limbs during the early years of growth, it seems as though they have taken the concept of apical dominance and turned it on its head by adopting an alternative growth strategy of “basal dominance”. (As probably many of you know, apical dominance is a biological term that refers to the fact that auxin in the apex, or tips, of stems, especially the central stem, tends to inhibit the growth of lower stems and laterals.) Finally, like the Turkish fir, Nordman fir is not suitable for making wreaths the way that we make them, despite their pretty foliage. In summary, Turkish and Nordman firs have very pretty foliage and might be a very nice tree for some growers. For me, however, the drawbacks of these trees as Christmas trees clearly outweigh their good looks, so I won’t grow them again. In the next and last part of this little series of articles on trees I won’t grow again, I will cover one species that I won’t grow again, one species of which I will probably grow a few more (and probably shouldn’t), and two others that I will grow in far fewer numbers. Postscript I had the opportunity to talk with John Young, one of our members, during the VCTGA meeting in Roanoke this August. It was a very timely conversation and serves to illustrate something I emphasized in the first article (Summer 2015) about trees I Page 20 20 |
won’t grow anymore and at the beginning of this article. That is, some of you may have grown some of these trees and had a very different experience, or at least perception, of these trees than I have had. Such differences may be due to placing a different weight on tree attributes (e.g., growth rate and tree structure), or your soil and weather conditions may lead to different results. John’s view of some of these trees differed substantially from mine. He indicated to me that it would be alright for me to pass along his views about this. John (a.k.a. “Jolly” John, believe it or not) is a long-time Christmas tree grower and has grown a lot of trees and makes a lot of wreaths. In addition, I got the impression that John likes to try out different species, as I do. He had a different evaluation regarding Serbian spruce, Meyer spruce, and Turkish fir, and plans to continue growing all three. Unlike me, he did not find Serbian spruce to be generally ugly as result of drooping branches and a narrow, asymmetrical structure, along with a poor survival rate. With respect to Meyer spruce, John did not find them to be unacceptably slow growing, too dense, and very prickly. He likes to have Meyer spruce so he can offer them to his customers as a Blue spruce from China, which is the seed source for those trees. Regarding the Turkish fir, John and I agreed on the beautiful foliage. However, whereas I found the trees to be very slow growers (10 to 12 years for a saleable tree), John gets a saleable tree in eight years. I found it to be a major chore to prune out the large number of very thick limbs near the bottom of the tree to create a good handle, whereas John does not basal prune these trees, thereby passing up this problem. He seems to be able to get a reasonably straight leader year-after-year, and thus a nice straight trunk. I frequently
have a problem with this as compared to my other species. I find that I must frequently prune out very thick, upward slanting branches that may well take over as leader from the tiny 4inch leader in the center of the tree during the first five years or so. Finally, John has found that he is able to use the terrific foliage of Turkish fir to make wreaths, whereas I have found many of the tips and side branches to be too long or thick for the wreaths we make. The very different views that John and I have about these trees may be partly due to different preferences and perceptions about some of the tree attributes. But they may also be partly due to different soil and weather conditions. Thus, while my farm is in the northern Shenandoah Valley at an elevation of about 1,100 ft. and in close proximity to the mountains of West Virginia, John’s trees are grown near Prospect, VA, southwest of Richmond, in the piedmont east of the Blue Ridge, and not far from the beginning of the coastal plain. So, it is likely his weather conditions are quite a bit different from mine, with distinctly warmer winters, which may account for the faster growth his Turkish firs exhibit. We apparently both have relatively heavy soil. It appears that some of you might like and be successful with some of the trees I won’t grow again, so they are certainly worth trying, especially in view of John Young’s experience with them. But until you see some results on your farm, it would probably be best not to plant a lot of these trees on your first try with them. By: Steve Rhoades, Mountain View Farm, Edinburg, VA steve21@shentel.net
VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Help!!! Make Your News Journal Better!!
VCTGA Scholarship Recipient - Nance
Please send news, profiles, articles for the VCTGA Newsletter, This is your News Journal and we need input from you:
What does the upcoming season look like?
How was this growing season?
Is there enough production, too much?
What new techniques, products have you used this year and how did they work out? What are you doing with social media?
Any major pest/disease/weed issues this year?
How did you like the annual meeting? What did you learn?
What new activities, products, etc. do you have planned for this season?
Have you tried the new mobile farm lookup from your cell phone? Go to www.virginiachristmastrees.org and the new mobile version will recognize your mobile phone. What do you think? Have you updated your minipage? Updated it now before you get in the rush of the tree season. What type of information would you like to see in the News Journal? What vendors would you like seeing in the News Journal? Ideas for content, layout, pictures? Can we do a profile on your operation? Contact the VNLA Office, 540-382-7310, secretary@virginiachristmastrees.org It's easy and we'll give you some guidelines. Help make Your News Journal better!
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Robert Nance
I am currently studying Landscape Contracting at Virginia Tech. My goal is to one day own a successful medium scale commercial and residential landscaping company that develops many long lasting relationships through delivering true value to customers. My main underlying goal in life is to be happy with what I do regardless of the amount of income learn. I find that I show great interest in plants and they are my passion, I enjoy working and being around them. I am always looking for a way to become closer to my goals. While I have a terrific academic record, it would not mean anything if I would not have the experience in the field to back it up. I think there are many students that come out of college thinking all that is needed is that they learned in the classroom; although, what is the value of that classroom experience if one does not practice what they have learned? Everything that I do revolves around horticulture and the green industry in general. I spend countless hours in the classroom learning and studying
horticultural practices and procedures, attend many conferences/conventions, and when I am outside the classroom I am gaining experience in the field. Such field experience includes: working 2 years in the wholesale nursery industry, 8 years of landscape maintenance experience one year of which was commercial maintenance and install, Christmas tree farming, grounds maintenance, arboriculture, and much more. Along with this experience I have earned my Commercial Pesticide License Category 3A, Certified Fertilizer Applicator’s License, and am a Certified Greenhouse Operator. I believe college is the time to find what you love, for me it is the time to float around and gain experience in as many aspects of the industry. I am not narrowing my concentration to one subject in horticulture for I want to account for as many areas of expertise as possible. On campus and in my community at home I am very involved. I commit myself to the Virginia Tech motto “Ut Prosim” meaning “that I may serve.” By awarding me the VCTGA I will be able to focus on what is important, learning; as well as continue my service to the communities and organization in which I serve. I am able to do this by not having to work a part time job while in school due to the scholarships in which I earn. I put all of my earnings and savings into my college education, and seek help from my parent to cover costs. However, my parents are currently struggling financially and are unsure of what the future holds for them and my college education. I work as hard as I can and put every dollar to my education but I just cannot cover it all by myself. Unsure of where the funds will come from I take a day by day approach to being a Hokie, striving my very best every day in hopes of landing scholarships through my valiant efforts to continue my years of Page 21 | 21
learning as a green industry professional and as Virginia Tech Hokie.
firm within the five year goal I have set.
Please feel free to visit www.rnance.weebly.com for more information on myself and my background.
I am finishing my junior at Virginia Tech working on a bachelor's degree in the Horticulture Department.
Sincerely, Robert M. Nance
VCTGA Scholarship Recipient - Dowdy I wanted to thank you and the Association for the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Scholarship for the 201S-2016 academic year. This scholarship will help to ease the burden of student loans for my senior year at Virginia Tech. Having less of a financial burden on my shoulders post-graduation will allow me to pay off the terrible burden of student loans quicker. This will enable me to fulfill my goal of starting my own landscape design and installation
I am on track to graduate in the spring of 2016 and pursue a career in the field of Landscape Contracting. Working outdoors with trees is a passion of mine and I have thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience here at Virginia Tech. I completed my internship this summer and it was a great to apply the knowledge I gain in the class, out in the field. I enjoy the program and maintain a 3.70 GPA and have been on the Dean's List for 3 semesters. Having organizations such as the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association set up scholarships to assist students such a s myself is of great benefit to society and to the state of Virginia. It is my firm belief that
through outreach and education the green industry will grow and prosper for years to come. Please continue to offer your scholarship, and please continue to help develop the future of the industry as you have done for me. I hope to one day payback the generosity your organization has shown me. The Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association will be a part of my network. As of right now I am going to attempt to attend your annual meeting on August 14, 201S. I will be in the Hampton Roads area over the summer working a second internship. I will keep you posted on that. Again thank you for awarding the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Scholarship. Christopher Dowdy, Newport, VA
Are you on Are you on Facebook? Facebook?
Ad – Kelco Industries
The VCTGA is! Logon and LIKE us.
Let other members know what you’re doing Ask for solutions to your problems Post photos of your business operations Offer seasonal tips and solutions that have helped you Let other members know how you are using Facebook or other social media www.facebook.com/vctga Page 22
22 |
VCTGA News Journal –Fall 2015
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
Scenes from the 2015 Annual Meeting & Farm Tour
VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2015
| 23
383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 383 Coal Hollow Rd 540-382-7310 Christiansburg, VA
STD PRST US POSTAGE PAID WYTHEVILLE, VA PERMIT 172
24073-6721 540-382-7310 www.Virginia
ChristmasTrees.org
www.Virginia ChristmasTrees.org
VCTGA Annual Meeting & Conferences
SAVE THE DATE: AUGUST 4-6, 2016
SAVE THE DATES!! VCTGA Annual Membership Meeting & Conference August 15-16 Blacksburg
VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013
Page 25