VCTGA News Journal Winter 2016

VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ASSOCIATION Inside this Issue: President’s Message – 3 VCTGA 2015 Christmas Season Survey – IMPORTANT – 6 Media Interview Tips ‒ 9 Newsletter Help ‒ 9 2016 Will be a Year of Waiting ‒ 10 Fall Board Meeting Minutes ‒ 12 NCTA Offers New Membership Options ‒ 13 Scenes from the 2015 Tree & Wreath Presentation to Governor ‒ 15-16 Choose & Cut Farms – Are They Dying ‒ 17 Trees I Won’t Grow Again, Part 3 of 3 – 19 Spring Pest Scouting Schedule for Christmas Trees − 22 Are You on Facebook? – 23

Volume 6, Issue 1

Winter 2016

Tree and Wreath Presentations to Governor’s Mansion

Advertisers GRANCO ‒ 2 Alpha Nurseries – 5 Bosch’s Countryview Nursery – 8 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System ‒ 18 Riverside Enterprises ‒ 21 Tree Teck ‒ 21 Kelco ‒ 23 Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll ‒ 24

(l-r) Robert O’Keeffe, First Lady McAuliffe, Governor Terry McAuliffe, David Huffman, Dreama Huffman, Joe Francis (Photo by Michaele White, Governor’s Office) see photos on page 15-16

Experience a Real Virginia Grown Christmas Tree

SAVE THE DATE! August 4-6, 2016 VCTGA Annual Meeting & Conference Staunton, Virginia

“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 – Winter 2016

We have so many warm memories of the past Christmas seasons at the farm, and now, this year, we have begun a new collection.

From the President

Greg Lemmer's grandson, Andrew, age 7, harvesting his first tree.

For the first time since Christmas 1994, Janet and I did not staff the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm.

To be sure, we missed the boys, the customers, and the atmosphere of a working choose and cut farm during the Christmas season. Instead, we enjoyed making wreaths, roping and swags, at a leisurely, retirement pace for our family, neighbors and home.

Our membership was well represented in the media this year. Great stories appeared on WDBJ7 Roanoke concerning David Huffman’s Spruce Ridge Tree Farm and Robert O’Keeffe’s Rifton Farm and Nursery. Robert O’Keeffe again appeared on WFXR 21/27 Roanoke with their coverage of the “Governor’s” tree and the Richmond media covered the story at the Executive Mansion of the presentation of the tree and wreaths. The Roanoke Times did a wonderful story on Sue Huffman’s wreaths at Joe’s Trees.

The Bristol Herald Courier covered Eddie Blevins’ farm on Whitetop.

And, WHSV of Harrisonburg covered the action at Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm.

We had so many posts to our Facebook page that you just have to visit the site to appreciate it all.

For quite some time, Tom O’Halloran has been enthusiastically en-

For the first time since Christmas 1994, Janet and I did not staff the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm. To be sure, we missed the boys, the customers, and the atmosphere of a working choose and cut farm during the Christmas season. Instead, we enjoyed making wreaths, roping and swags, at a leisurely, retirement pace,

dorsing the mechanical roping machine in preference to the electric models. So, since the electric models I have been using belong to the farm, I recently ordered one of the mechanical machines from Fraser Knoll. It didn’t take long for me to begin cranking out pine rope. I now join Tom in his endorsement with the qualification that my experience is limited to less than 100 feet of product.

This year, our website again proved to be a valuable marketing tool. As measured by Google Analytics, over 9600 sessions were recorded between Nov. 13 and Dec. 21, 2015, from 8215 different people. Of

Roping (Garland) Machine Hand Operated $150.00     

Simple crank Metal construction Unit easily clamps to a table Provides constant, uniform tension on the wire as it wraps around the greenery and twine to create garland Uses black roping twine and 24 guage roping wire

http://fraserknoll.com/Web%20Page%20-%20Garland%20Machines%20and%20Supplies.htm VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

Page 3 | 3

those visitors, 84% were new to our website and 24,400 different page views were recorded for an average of 2.54 pages viewed per session.

Once again, the heaviest web traffic occurred over Thanksgiving weekend, in second place was the first weekend in December and the third busiest time for our website was the weekend prior to Thanksgiving.

With this issue, we are calling for our annual membership survey.

We will be posting the survey to the website and include a copy in this newsletter. Please take the time to provide the data and return the survey. It is so useful in reporting the outcomes of the grants back to VDACS and USDA. Earlier this summer, the Virginia Green Industry Council dissolved.

We, as an association, were active members of the Council, shared in their goals and were supportive of their mission. We recently learned the Farmers Direct Marketing Association, again an organization with which we had much in common, has also dissolved. I don’t know specifically why these organizations dissolved, but I think it should serve as a call to action for our membership.

I do not believe VCTGA is in any danger of going away, but there are some activities in which we can all participate in order to energize our association and assure our future.

Neither the officers, the board nor our Executive Secretary can accomplish all of the following. We need articles and photographs for each issue of our newsletter. Jeff works hard to fill the pages of each edition with timely information and photos, and he will sincerely appreciate some help. We also need advertisers to help pay for our newsletters. Please get us the names and phone numbers of your suppliers and we’ll make the calls.

Our association is not growing.

VDACS estimates there are three 4Page 4 |

times as many Christmas tree farms as there are VCTGA members.

Won’t you approach your nonmember neighbors and invite them to join VCTGA? We always need board members and officers. The Vice-President position is currently vacant and that job is critical in planning our summer meeting. And, I am in my sixth consecutive, and final year of service on the Board. We will need a new President in August. So please, consider contributing an article or photo, suggest an advertiser, talk to a neighbor about VCTGA or think about a leadership position.

We look forward to hearing from the membership, whether it be survey results, tree farm stories, or your thoughts and recommendations.

Contributing and Coordinating Editors Membership Kathy Rasnic Technical Support & Production John Carroll & Kyle Peer Mount Rogers Report Jackie Davis, President, MRCTGA Pathology & Disease Norman Dart Pests Eric Day

Greg Lemmer, VCTGA President, 2016

VDACS Support & Updates Danny Neel Dave Robishaw Marketing, Promotion, & Social Media Sue Bostic Grant Updates Greg Lemmer Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller

Save the Date!

August 4-6, 2016 Annual Summer Conference & Workshop Stonewall Jackson Hotel, Staunton, VA

Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Inc. 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 PH: 540-382-7310 Fax: 540-382-2716 secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2016

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

|5

383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073‐6721 540‐382‐7310 Fax: 540‐382‐2716 Email: Secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org January 20, 2016 Dear Christmas Tree Growers, A BIG thanks to those of you who had the time to fill out our 2012, 2013 and 2014 Season Survey! These results are baseline surveys and we won’t know how successful our marketing initiatives have been until we conduct a survey each year. Attendees at 2015 meetings expressed the opinion that our marketing initiatives have contributed to increased sales.

We also believe we need more data. The survey form has been posted on the website, under the events tab, where it can be downloaded and completed. For our grants, we have to file progress reports each year and this information is required by the USDA. Also on the website there is a link to the running totals of the survey.

Over the past five years, our association has been very fortunate to have received four USDA Specialty Crop Competitive Grants totaling $109,345. Those funds have been invested to hire marketing consultants, to redesign our logo; create a library of professional stock photos; and design brochures, displays and posters. We have redesigned our website and set it up as a mobile version, expanded our presence at agritourism activities, trade shows, vendor fairs and other public venues. We have completed winter meetings in 2013 and 2014, as well as summer meetings each year, funded in part by the current grant, and enjoyed the opportunity to compare notes on the recent selling season, further our professional education and gain access to speakers who are not readily available during our summer meetings. The Board of Directors believes the Association is on a very positive course in promoting our Virginia Christmas trees and ultimately increasing sales for all growers. But, in order to sustain our successes and remain competitive through the grant process, we must be able to provide measurable outcomes. Accordingly, we need to gather statistics and be able to demonstrate to VDACS and USDA that the funding translates to positive outcomes.

Please complete the survey and return it to Jeff by February 15, so that the results will be available when reporting our grant progress. Your response will be anonymous. Surveys may be returned by mail, email, fax or telephone.

Thanks!

Greg Lemmer, VCTGA President 6 |

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

VCTGA Survey, Christmas Season 2015 1.

2.

On how many total acres are you producing Christmas trees? ___________________ By type, how many trees do you have in production and how many did you sell during Christmas 2015.

Species

# In Production

# Sold Wholesale

# Sold Off‐Farm Retail

# Sold Choose & Cut

Austrian Pine Blue Ice Cypress Blue Spruce Canaan Fir Caroline Sapphire Cypress Concolor Fir Douglas Fir Fraser Fir Leyland Cypress Norway Spruce Scotch Pine Virginia Pine White Pine White Spruce Other 3.

How many wreaths did you sell? Retail _______________ Wholesale ___________

4.

Do you make your own wreaths or purchase them for resale? Make ____ Buy ___ Both ____

5.

How many feet of roping did you sell? Retail _____________ Wholesale __________

6.

How much were your gross total sales? Retail ____________ Wholesale __________

7.

How many customers did you have? Retail ____________ Wholesale ___________ Of your wholesale customers, how many were civic organizations? _________

8.

How many off‐farm retail customers did you have? ________

9.

How many choose & cut customers did you have? _________

10. Cost to shear 1 acre, or 500 trees, ages 4 and 8? Age 4: $ __________ Age 8: $_______ 11. Average man hours for maintenance/acre/year on trees after age 4. $ ________ VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

|7

(One number, averaging all ages and species) 12. Current wholesale price for #1 and #2 Frasier Fir? #1 $ ________ #2

$ ________

13. In general, how did your overall sales change in comparing Christmas 2013 and 2014? Up ____ %

Down ____ %

Same _____

14. Did the Association’s media promotions and marketing efforts have any bearing on your sales?

Yes ____ No ____ Don’t Know ___________________________________________________ Comments:____________________________________________________________________ PH: 540‐382‐7310

383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073‐6721 Fax: 540‐382‐2716 Email: Secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

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

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

8 |

Age

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

7/9/13 11:01 AM

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

TO: VCTGA Members

MEDIA INTERVIEW TIPS 1. BE PREPARED: Be sure to do your research before the media interview. Learn about the specific reporter’s style, recent stories and the media outlet. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: What’s the angle of the story?

Who else is being interviewed for the story? What’s the deadline for the story?

2. BE SURE TO DELIVER YOUR KEY MESSAGES: This is an opportunity to deliver your story and share your industry expertise. Select three key messages and deliver them in the interview. When possible, share facts and figures to support your message.

3. REMEMBER YOUR AUDIENCE: This is your opportunity to reach an audience with your message. If working with a specific media outlet or industry publication/outlet, be sure to tailor and customize your message when possible to connect with that audience.

4. BE POSITIVE & ASSERTIVE: Be sure to stay positive and assertive in your responses as you will connect more with the reporter and the audience, viewers, readers, etc.

5. USE INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES AS NEEDED: Remember to use bridging and flagging techniques as needed.

Signal that key messages are coming in the interview and bridge to positive messaging VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

when needed.

6. BE HONEST: Don’t ever lie in an interview. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it is OK to say so and let the reporter know you will look into it further and get back to them later with more information and details.

7. AVOID INDUSTRY JARGON: Be sure to speak in a way that the average reader or viewer can understand so that you don’t confuse them with technical industry buzzwords.

8. FOCUS ON YOUR OBJECTIVE: Speak briefly and to the point. Do not get distracted by off-topic questions or trying to share too much detail. Be sure to remember your main key messages.

9. BEWARE OF TRAPS: Be sure to use your own words.

Don’t fall into traps from negative questions from the reporter.

Don’t let the reporter put words in your mouth.

10. FOLLOW-UP AS NEEDED: Be sure to drop the reporter a note of thanks after the interview to build a relationship for the future. Use the opportunity to reinforce or clarify any interview points and ask any followup questions. www.MaroonPR.com

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 mini-page?

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!

Page 9

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2016 Will Be A Year Of Waiting For The Horticulture Industry By: Craig Regelbrugge | January 14, 2016 The New Year is upon us, and it is one of those “years divisible by four,” which means we’ve got a presidential election to look forward to. Also, the entire House of Representatives and about one-third of the U.S. Senate are up for reelection. We will take a look at some of the most critical issues for horticulture in a moment. First, a few thoughts about the election.

Many wish it were already over, but in politics, the 10 months or so from now to the November elections are an eternity. In volatile times like these, so much can change quickly and anything can happen. The Republican field of presidential contenders has stayed crowded long beyond anyone’s expectations, and the Republican establishment is beginning to grapple with the possibility that Donald Trump could actually be the nominee.

Trump’s rise in the polls - and Ben Carson’s too - reflect the fact that record numbers of Americans are distrustful of government and politicians. Trump’s carefree attitude with respect to facts has not hurt him either, because distrust of the media is also sky-high, and details aside, the underlying points he makes resonate with many Americans. Still, this far out, many voters are not paying too much attention to the candidates.

Time will tell whether or not the electorate shifts toward establishment of candidates with records of political accomplishment.

Congressional races will be interesting to watch. It is way too early to predict where things will head in the

Page 10 10 |

House of Representatives. In the Senate, of the 34 seats up for reelection, Republicans currently hold 24, which means they are defending a lot more territory. Most analysts think that Democrats will pick up a couple seats; a change in party control is possible, as is a 50/50 split. Florida, Nevada, and New Hampshire will be among the most interesting battlegrounds to watch.

Years divisible by four tend not to be productive with respect to legislation.

Both parties did find a little fertile ground for cooperation on a mediumterm budget resolution and a longterm transportation funding measure, as a way to get some of these critical business items off the 2016 agenda.

The House may try to move a number of bills articulating a conservative vision under the leadership of new Speaker Paul Ryan, but just in case the Senate goes along on any of them, there is a fresh, ink-filled veto pen waiting at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Progress on Health Care Doubtful Let’s move on to the issues, starting with Obamacare. At least until there is a new president, major changes on the health care front are unlikely.

Even modest refinements are a long shot.

AmericanHort continues to work to support the STARS Act, which would streamline treatment of seasonal workers under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It has bipartisan support and is an eminently sensible - if modest - piece of legislation.

Its passage would be symbolic to the extent that it signals a willingness to repair aspects of the ACA, but action is far from certain. This is because Republicans would rather deep-six the ACA than tweak it, and Democrats are afraid to open it up. Meanwhile, House Speaker Paul Ryan

seems intent on unveiling a plan for what kind of alternative approach to the ACA Republicans would want to see.

Long-Term Transportation Funding Endorsed At the end of 2015, Congress did actually manage to approve a longterm transportation funding bill.

Certainty is better for the economy than uncertainty!

In the debate, AmericanHort successfully beat back a hostile amendment that would have prohibited federal highway funds from being used for vegetative enhancements, also known as landscaping.

This ludicrous idea was voted down, but it was supported by literally twothirds of House Republicans. This stands as a fresh reminder that our industry has a lot of work ahead educating policymakers on why plants and landscaping are essential components of infrastructure for the ecosystem services and human health benefits they provide.

Immigration Reform Stalled For Now The odds of Congress making major progress in 2016 on immigration reform are only slightly better than the odds of spotting a flying pink unicorn over your house. Even pro-reform House Republicans (yes, there still are some) do not see a viable path forward before a new president is sworn in.

For AmericanHort and our members, this means several things. One, we’ve got to continue to work to defend the limited but important programs that we now have (notably, H-2A and H2B). Two, employers need to consider every available tool in the toolkit: mechanization and automation advances, returning veterans, resettled refugees, etc. Three, we must VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

remain vigilant to the threat of enforcement-only initiatives that would further destabilize the labor force at a time of worsening labor shortages.

One interesting dynamic will be the Supreme Court. If it takes up the challenge to President Obama’s executive actions on a faster track, a ruling is possible in June, smack in the middle of the presidential election contest.

Meanwhile, demographic shifts further underscore why America needs a sensible modernization of her immigration system. According to the United Nations, 2016 will mark the first year since 1950 that the combined working-age population in the world’s advanced economies will decline. And by 2050, it will have declined by 5%. This may sound like a small number, but it’s got huge global implications.

In considering the health of a nation’s economy, demographers often consider the ratio of working-age population to dependents (those either too young to work, or too old). In the U.S. today, there are 5.1 dependents for every 10 working-age people. By 2050, there will be 6.6 dependents for every 10 working-age people, putting greater stress on our social safety-net programs and the workers propping them up. But it could be worse. In China, by contrast, today there are 3.7 dependents for every 10 people of working age, a healthy ratio. But by 2050, the dependents will rise to 7.

China’s recent relaxation of its one child policy may help, but only around the margins.

Another interesting factoid is this: According to the Pew Research Center, between 2009 and 2014, significantly more Hispanics and their families left the U.S than came here. This is an inconvenient truth in our political contests, where candidates vie for who will build the highest wall. Frankly, at this point, a VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

wall might trap more people here than it will keep out.

A reasonably open immigration policy is, of course, one of the best buffers against the fiscal hardship created by looming demographic changes.

The U.S. has been well positioned in this respect historically. Now - or soon - would be as good a time as any for the U.S. to smartly modernize our system. Waiting won’t work so well.

Regulations Bring Modifications to Federal Overtime Laws Regardless of one’s own political views, it is difficult to deny that this administration’s regulatory juggernaut is out of control. This is especially true in areas relating to labor law and the environment. On the former, we’ve seen a series of hostile policy decisions by the National Labor Relations Board.

During 2016, we expect the Labor Department’s revisions to federal overtime laws to take effect. The biggest single change will be a dramatic increase in the minimum salary threshold for employees under the socalled “white collar exemption” from overtime. Those new rules are expected sometime between July and November. Note that the agricultural exemption from overtime is not affected by this change, but many companies in our industry will be impacted.

Also, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) revised Worker Protection Standards will take effect. Expect plenty of confusion and consternation among both agricultural employers and state agencies who share in the responsibility for implementing these rules.

On the environment front, the joint EPA/Army Corps “Waters of the U.S.” rule has been one of the most closely watched initiatives. Its fate is now in the hands of the courts.

Pollinator Issue Moves Beyond Neonicotinoids

Another issue worth noting, pollinator health, offers both challenges and opportunities. On the challenges side, we may lose important pest control tools from our toolkit. While most of the attention has been on the neonicotinoid insecticides, EPA is seeking additional data on pollinator impacts for 76 active ingredients. The list includes mostly insecticides, but also fungicides and herbicides.

Many growers report that they have greatly reduced the use of neonicotinoids (neonics). As a practical matter, there are many drivers encouraging growers to employ biologicals/biopesticides and other reduced-risk strategies. Neonics, incidentally, became popular for exactly these reasons: they generally have lower risk profiles from an environmental and worker protection perspective than many alternatives.

However, the issue is way bigger than neonicotinoids. So, if you are one of the growers saying “I’ve reduced use of neonics” and as a result you are using more synthetic pyrethroids, you should know that they too are under review, for both pollinator and aquatic impacts.

Secondly, the best science to date has not found the neonics guilty, despite what the activists are saying. Pesticides - and especially pesticide misuse - is certainly a factor threatening pollinator health, but one of several, and not the largest. The key really is tools in the toolkit. We need options for dealing with international invasive pest threats, and managing

| 11 Page 11

against the development of pesticide resistance.

VCTGA Board Minutes

Through the Grow Wise, Bee Smart initiative (http://americanhort.org/ bees), AmericanHort, the Horticultural Research Institute, and other collaborators have funded critical research looking into residues of systemic insecticides in plant pollen and nectar under real-world conditions; and, to better understand which plants that we grow are pollinator-attractive and nutritious, and which ones do not attract pollinators. This information will allow us to make smarter pest management decisions in the greenhouse, nursery, or landscape.

October 27, 2015

The emergence of bee and pollinator health as a major conservation issue of our day also means opportunity for horticulture. This is because virtually every interest concerned about pollinator health agrees that improved pollinator habitat and forage opportunities are a critical part of the solution.

As one of eight conservation and trade groups that launched the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, AmericanHort encourages every garden retail and landscape business to help consumers plant something for pollinators. Annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs that offer nutritious support for bees and pollinators are part of the solution, and one that we can all embrace.

Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center 24 South Market Street Staunton, VA 24401 The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by President Greg Lemmer with the following present: John Houston, Robert O’Keeffe, Jeff Gregson, Danny Neel, David Robishaw, Kyle Peer, and Jeff Miller.

Kristina Arbogast was introduced on behalf of Joe McDowell, Sales and Catering Manager, Stonewall Jackson Hotel. She reviewed a tentative proposal for the VCTGA Annual Meeting on August 4-6, 2016 and gave the board a tour of the meeting facilities and guest rooms. President’s note: The meeting room, coffee service and lunch were complimentary.

A motion was made to approve the Minutes of the August 19, 2015 VCTGA Board meeting, which had been emailed to board members and a copy was attached to the agenda for this meeting, seconded and passed.

Reports Financial –Jeff Miller reviewed copies of the Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Sheet as of October 26, 2015 vs. the same period for 2014. He noted that there was one News Journal billing that had not been done yet and there had been $710 in extra donations to the Scholarship Fund along with the $2,424

12Page 12 |

that was raised at the summer meeting auction, which was the highest amount raised.

Membership – Jeff Miller reported that there were 88 active members and 10 delinquent members for 2015.

There was a discussion on how to reach out to non-members and explain the benefits of VCTGA membership. Several suggestions were made to update the member benefits listed on the website.

Scholarship – Robert O’Keeffe reported that two $750 scholarships had been awarded to students at Virginia Tech. There was a discussion on how to get the word out to potential student applicants.

Sponsorship of Virginia Farming – Greg Lemmer reported that the VCTGA had accepted a new contract with WPTV, public TV, to have a 15 second video at the beginning and end of the Virginia Farming Show from October 1 through December 2015 and also again in 2016.

USDA/VDACS grant funds will cover this marketing investment on “Experience a Real Christmas”.

Grant Activities Marketing Grants - Jeff Miller reported that the third USDA/VDACS Specialty Crop Grant had been closed out and the final report had been submitted. He reviewed the available balances in the different marketing categories of the 4th grand and noted that the grant will need to be finished

by October 30, 2016.

Review of State Fair – Greg Lemmer reported, that even with the State Fair closing 3 days early due to heavy rain events, the VCTGA had great exposure at the VCTGA exhibit.

Members who helped staff the exhibit during the Fair were: John Houston, John and Virginia Carroll, Jeff and Sandy Miller, Jeff Gregson, Greg and Janet Lemmer, and Ron and Lorraine Hoke.

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2016

MANTS – Jeff Miller reported that the VCTGA would have an exhibit at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) at the Baltimore Convention Center on January 6-8, 2016. VDACS Marketing Representatives, Danny Neel and Dave Robishaw will again help staff the exhibit. They noted that this is a great opportunity for VCTGA growers to establish contact with potential new buyers. The VCTGA can help cover travel expenses for members staffing the exhibit. This is the premier green industry trade show in the U.S. with attendance of over 11,000 and over 1,000 exhibitors.

Promotional Materials - Jeff Miller reported that the VCTGA still had a good supply of promotional materials for members to use to market “Experience a Real Tree” and expressed concern that many members were not taking advantage of these materials to promote their individual businesses.

Tree Tags, Tree Care URL/QR Code – The VCTGA has a new supply of tags for members to purchase and use for pricing trees with care information and a QR code that takes the buyer to a mobile-friendly web page with care instructions for maintaining their tree for the season.

and-cut farms near them. The locator is now mobile-friendly and easy to use. The Facebook page needs more member input.

Board/Member involvement and future of VCTGA – Jeff Miller reviewed the need for more involvement of the board and members in VCTGA activities, reaching out to potential members in their area, providing information for the VCTGA News Journal, and promoting the “Experience a Real Tree” marketing program. The board should consider having another strategic planning session to determine direction after the current grant cycle is finished.

Adjourn – Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.

Respectively submitted, Jeff Miller, Executive Secretary

NCTA Offers New Membership Options for 2016!

Board Assignments – Greg Lemmer reviewed the need to find a member to serve as Vice President who would be the chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, as well as having current board members to be more actively involved in VCTGA leadership and activities.

Website/Facebook – Greg Lemmer noted that the website has been a valuable asset for consumers to use the locator page to find retail and chooseVCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

One of the first actions taken by the Executive Committee was to survey the membership to establish the current climate. The results of that survey were very enlightening and would help guide future plans for the association.

From the member survey, 93% of respondents rated “voice of the industry with media, consumers and fire code groups” as the most important thing NCTA does for them.

The leadership then created a vision and plan to stabilize NCTA and ensure the association would remain a sustainable, relevant voice and resource for the industry. The goal was not purely survival, but to position NCTA as valuable and desirable among the various businesses in the Christmas tree industry. One key item that was discussed was NCTA’s membership model.

The NCTA Board appointed a Task Force following that visioning session to begin reviewing NCTA’s structure and its role in serving members and the industry once the checkoff was initiated. The goals set forth by the Task Force were to: Make membership (levels, dues, benefits) in NCTA simpler and easier to understand, and more equitable among various business types.

New Business Recycling dated VCTGA property – a motion was made to recycle the balance of the Marketing Notebooks that were on hand, seconded and passed.

checkoff organization might affect its members, future programs and revenues.

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) membership categories have been changed to adapt to the state of the industry and the evolving role of NCTA with the new checkoff organization starting. The new membership options are available now for the membership term that begins January 1, 2016.

Nobody likes change, so why the change?

In early 2014, the Executive Committee held a full-day visioning session at the National Headquarters to discuss the future of the National Christmas Tree Association and how the new

Look at the costs of providing benefits, along with the cost of doing business as an association (what some would call “overhead”) and base levels of membership on those costs.

Envision how to make NCTA sustainable once the checkoff, and it’s per tree payment formula, was in place.

NCTA’s mission and vision remains the same It’s important to remember that while the checkoff board is beginning its initiatives, there is still a need to have NCTA fulfill its role as the voice of the industry. NCTA's mission is to protect and advocate for the farm-grown

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Christmas tree industry. It is the one entity most-capable of doing that on behalf of ALL businesses in this industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small choose and cut farm, a large wholesale farm, a wholesaler/distributor or a multi-lot retail business. It doesn’t matter what species of trees you grow and sell or where you’re located. When NCTA is functioning and achieving its mission of advocacy and protection, everyone benefits.

A New Structure Approved for 2016 The Task Force submitted a proposal to the Board in early 2015 which outlined a new membership structure based on the Task Force’s goals and prior research. The new membership structure was approved by the Board of Directors in July 2015. The new membership options and dues amounts are outlined below and can also be found on the NCTA website. The membership term will remain the same, January 1 – December 31.

This new membership model offers fewer options and a simpler membership application process with less variables. There is no longer a “Per Tree Formula” as a part of your dues payment – all dues amounts are set, no matter how many trees you sell. Now, members will choose their membership level based on how involved they want to be with the national association and what types of information they want to receive. Previously, the membership structure was based on the type of business a member had and the number of trees sold.

New NCTA Membership Options for 2016: Introductory Member - $99 Industry Member - $299 Professional Member - $599 + Advocacy Sponsorship**more on the Advocacy Sponsorship below Other membership options will include: Supplier - $433

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Researcher - Free with a .gov or .edu email address

profitable businesses growing and selling Christmas trees.

To view the specific benefits for each of the new member types, visit the NCTA website.

Thank you for your continued support of the national association. Together, we can make the farm-grown Christmas tree industry stronger.

Advocacy Sponsorship All NCTA members are encouraged and welcome to contribute a sponsorship of the Issues Advocacy Fund, which ensures NCTA is on the front lines of issues affecting the industry.

But, for those wishing to join NCTA at the Professional level, members are expected to contribute a minimum of a $100 Advocacy Sponsorship.

What is the sponsorship for?

NCTA's mission is to protect and advocate for the farm-grown Christmas tree industry. NCTA is the one entity mostcapable of doing that on behalf of ALL businesses in this industry. Issues that are of interest to NCTA may include: fire codes, legislative issues, labor/immigration, import/export, hard goods, regulatory issues, and others.

However, some businesses may have a stronger interest in following, investigating and advocating for issues that can positively or negatively impact businesses in the industry. These businesses are more likely to join NCTA at the Professional level and contribute to the Issues Advocacy Fund.

What do Advocacy Sponsors get?

At the Professional level, you will have access to the new, staff-facilitated discussion forums, where you can network with other Professional-level business leaders about the issues that matter to you. These forums may be simple email blasts, online discussion forums, conference calls, web meetings, or even in-person meetings at events. The forum used will be dictated by the topic/issue and the number of people involved with it.

But most importantly, with an Advocacy Sponsorship, NCTA will be able to continue funding the efforts to protect the industry from threats and advocate for issues that help members run

Real Christmas Trees Benefit the Environment While they're growing, Real Christmas Trees support life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases and emitting fresh oxygen. The farms that grow Christmas Trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often, Christmas Trees are grown on soil that doesn't support other crops. See what the experts say about Real Christmas Trees.

Real Christmas Trees Are Renewable Real Christmas Trees are grown on farms just like any other agricultural crop. To ensure a constant supply, Christmas Tree growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they harvest. On the other hand, artificial trees are a petroleum-based product manufactured primarily in Chinese factories. The average family uses an artificial tree for only six to nine years before throwing it away, where it will remain in a landfill for centuries after disposal.

Real Christmas Trees Are Recyclable Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. Learn about the many ways that Real Christmas Trees are being recycled and reused in communities nationwide.

Listen to the broadcast by NPR News's Adam Cole, TreeIncarnation: Christmas Trees Return To Nature (A Poem)

VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

Rifton Farm and Nursery delivers Governor’s Christmas Tree Photo Credit: Jane Graham

Photo Credit: Michaele White, Governor’s Office

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

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Wreaths and Greens Delivered to Governor’s Mansion

Photo Credit: Michaele White, Governor’s Office

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VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

Choose and Cut Farms - Are They Dying?

This past selling season revealed something to me that I had suspected was taking place for a couple or more years.

Maybe it is a sign of the times or perhaps it is destined to happen but interestingly enough some customers commented about the lack of choices to find tree farms. Where I live in North Carolina there were once a number of farms from the capitol to the coast. As it is in Virginia, North Carolina has choose and cut farms from the mountains to the coast for customers to visit and find their favorite tree.

What I learned about customer comments is that some farms are closing, are closed or has poor quality trees. A few customers called around to see who was open or what was available.

One particular customer who lived over a hundred miles away showed me a list of perspective farms in a 150 mile radius. Each one called was marked off except my farm. Here, they found what they were looking and made the trip worthwhile.

Twenty to thirty years ago many choose and cut farms existed to the coast. Neighboring Wayne County once had five good choose and cut farms. Now, there are none. When I began planting in 1981 numerous tree farms were all around in neighboring counties. Now I am the only holdout to the east of Raleigh, along Interstate 95.

Each Thanksgiving weekend I receive calls from travelers on I-95 enroute to or from Florida to see who is open for business. One extraordinary call came after 12 noon on the Friday after Thanksgiving from two sisters travelling through Maryland on a large motor home. Sure enough between 5 and 5:30, at sunset a large motor home rolled in and they chose their tree. Interestingly they were travelling back to Florida after attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday. As it stands I am the final outpost near I-95 for travelers to

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

get their fresh cut tree. Perhaps other farms lost could be my gain.

not to continue the operation, and the farm is either sold or the business dies.

I know of several veteran tree growers who have passed on over the past two to three years.

NO HEIR APPARENT. At the time of death of the owner the business dies because there is either no heir apparent in the family to continue the business or the heirs do not wish to carry it on.

The popularity of choose and cut farms came as a result of Cooperative Extension offering specialty crop choices for potential growers in rural locations to choose. One of those best picked choices were Christmas trees. Now, this was forty years ago when those chose this specialty crop worked another job either in agriculture related occupations or in the timber industries.

With the help of North Carolina State University’s forestry department and Cooperative Extension, many statewide one day meetings were held.

These meetings taught the basics of how to get started and the information was invaluable. This was my start and what I learned was priceless.

Perhaps the most obvious reasons for a decline of choose and cut farms are as follows: AGE. Those who started a choose and cut farm more than forty years ago are in declining health or some have since died. In many cases the family chooses

POOR QUALITY TREES. This aspect could be related to the AGE aspect since a decline in health or old age does not enable the owner to work the trees when health issues were no problem.

Therefore, the inability to get around to shape and shear the trees returns them to their wild nature and the quality is lost. Trees could go for two years and not be shaped- well by then it’s too late.

Poor nutrition overcomes the trees from a lack of proper soil testing, then disease and insect problems begins to occur.

MILENNIAL GENERATION? Will this generation come to the salvation of the choose-and-cut market? My guess is an emphatic NO! Many of this generation are not oriented to agriculture or horticultural work unless they grew up on a farm and were reared in a God fearing, Christian family home where mom and dad had dominion over them and instilled the work ethic in their children. My observance of this generation is one of unwillingness to work and complains about the most trivial things they should be grateful for.

Those that I have had as students are the exception. These have the willing attitude to work hard and learn and hopefully adopt the ‘old school ways’.

What Does the Future Hold?

Unfortunately, I see no real hope, long term for the survival of the choose-andcut market. With older, original owners passing on and the families not willing to continue the business, choices will be fewer and families will have to drive farther just to find a farm to cut their

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favorite tree. When this happens, the family tradition will be lost and they may revert back to fake trees. God forbid! Five, ten years down the road I see the rate of these farms declining at an alarming rate from the mountains to the coast. Personally, I may not be around five or ten years, many of us older ones may not, we just don’t know.

What the state universities may do to revive or reignite the industry may be to the wrong generation, i.e. the millennials and may be preaching to wrong generation. Realistically, they are only hope, but only if enough properly reared of this generation can save the day, then perhaps the choose-and-cut farms can survive a bit longer.

What will it take to have a successful operation in the future?

1. Customers will be more demanding to find good quality, price and a reliable farm they can come to annually.

2. First a determined attitude to succeed will be essential. The “want to” or the will to succeed and not give up halfway through the project is essential for the new grower.

3. Plant as many species of trees as his or her regional climate will allow. Personally I have a least eight different tree types I grow.

A couple of spruce, fir, pine and the cypresses and maybe cedars will suffice as options since many customers have their own preferences.

4. Farms do not have to incorporate attractions such as petting zoos, pumpkins or hayrides. I do not, although they are helpful if one wants to go to all that trouble and expense. Just being there with a good tree selection is all that is needed to provide customers what they are looking for and will return each year, provided good quality shows in the trees.

5. It is imperative to continue to dwell on the basics of tree growing as it was in the beginning when Cooperative Extension supported statewide meetings.

Now, it is up to the state associations to employ the basics of starting up whether it’s a serious youthful millennial or an older man or woman who is looking for alternative ways to utilize the farmland more efficiently.

6. Most importantly, seeking God’s help and prayer is the best way to success. Sure, there will be setbacks- the weather and other hardships will interfere but with Divine intervention the chooseand-cut market can survive a bit longer if these steps are employed.

Written by Tommy Naylor, Benson, NC

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VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2016

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

Trees I Won’t Grow Again, Part 3 of 3

By Steve Rhoades Mountain View Farm, Edinburg, VA This is the third and final installment in a series of cautionary tales about trees I won’t grow again, or I will grow very few of them.

Four more trees are covered in the current installment: Nikko fir, Carolina Sapphire cypress, Blue Ice cypress, and Leyland cypress. I will follow the approach used in the earlier articles of noting what I perceive as the positive attributes of each tree followed by the negative attributes.

Nine-inch long tips from Turkish fir shown above 12-inch strips of tape.

Left: Too large. Typical size tip, with upper stem that has no side branchlets for almost nine inches and a width of 11 inches.

Right: Usable in our standard 24inch wreaths. Less common size tip on our Turkish firs, with upper stem of five inches and width of nine inches.

Before discussing the additional trees with which I have problems, I must make a retraction from the article (part 2) that appeared in the previous issue of Virginia Evergreen (Fall 2015) and extend thanks to VCTGA member John Young for causing me to make this retraction. In that article, I noted that I do not plan to grow VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

Nordman or Turkish fir anymore, for various reasons, despite their especially attractive, deep green, shiny foliage. It was further noted that I thought the tips of the branches were generally too large for making the mixed-greens wreaths the way we do it. That turned out to be wrong! As noted previously (the part 2 article), I had a conversation with John Young at breakfast on the last day of the 2015 VCTGA annual meeting, at which time he disagreed with some of my tree assessments. He also indicated that he likes to use Nordman and Turkish fir in wreaths. So, despite having strong reservations, I decided to try incorporating some Turkish and Nordman into our standard, mixed-greens wreaths. To my surprise, even though they are generally larger (broader, longer tips, thicker stems) than the Canaan fir cuttings that I usually use, the Turkish and Nordman worked well, and I liked the resulting wreaths. (A high percentage of the branch tips were, in fact, too large to use in our wreaths, but quite a few were small enough to work for us.) The beautiful foliage looked nice in the wreaths, and the larger branchlets added body to the wreaths. Thus, at a minimum, I will grow Turkish and/or Nordman to use in our wreaths.

My thanks to John Young for telling me about his experience with these firs. He provided a fine example of disagreeing without being disagreeable. That was certainly a useful breakfast conversation for me.

Now, let’s move on to trees on my not-so-hot list.

Nikko fir does not quite make my list of full-fledged won’t-grow-again trees. Nikkos should probably be on

a list labeled “shouldn’t grow again but will probably grow a few (and then kick myself)”. The reason is that although the Nikko fir has some negative attributes, they are not as aggravating as those of the Turkish and Nordman firs, and the Nikko has some positive attributes that I especially like. Consequently, I will probably continue to grow some of these trees to add to the diversity of trees we have to offer our chooseand-cut customers. As with Turkish and Nordman firs, we did our first planting of Nikko transplants (2-2) in the spring of 2005. Since then, we have planted them in several different years, different seasons, and different fields at the same time we were planting Turkish and Nordman firs. In their favor, Nikko firs grow relatively fast; have a nice, reasonably slender natural shape requiring limited shearing; have stiffer branches than all of our other firs (nice for hanging ornaments); are not so dense as the Turkish and Nordman firs (also nice for ornaments); generally have a rather slender trunk; and they have been pest free. Of course, their pest-free status may not last indefinitely if they are discovered and deemed desirable by a local critter. Both the not-toodense structure and relatively slender trunk result in a tree that is not especially heavy and bulky for customers to handle.

The Nikkos do, however, have some negative features. 

They have a relatively palegreen, sometimes yellowishgreen, color; have somewhat stiff, pointy needles for a fir (not to be equated with the needles on a spruce);

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 

Don’t have as high a survival rate and are not as tolerant of wet soil as the Turkish and Nordman firs; Nikkos often develop a very stiff leader that sometimes grows vertically but significantly offset from the vertical line of the preceding central stem, or it may grow at a distinct angle from vertical, leaving you with a crummy, crooked tree.

I assumed, in the past, that a vertical leader would arise in the appropriate place and result in a nice, straight trunk. I was wrong. I think the problem can be dealt with by simply pruning off most of the errant shoot/leader thereby causing a bud near the vertical, main stem to send up a vertical shoot more or less directly above the main stem. I have found the slanted leaders to be too stiff to tie up to a vertical position.

Regarding the often pale color of Nikko firs, I read an article in a magazine about exotic firs that contained feedback from readers. One such reader noted that he had some color problems with Nikko firs which he remedied by applying fertilizer containing nitrogen. Ah, yet another example of the unfailing belief in fertilizer for dealing with tree problems.

My obvious skepticism about fertilizer stems from the fact that fertilizer did no apparent good in several experiments I conducted, as described in earlier issues of the VCTGA newsletter (Winter 2006, Winter 2010, Spring 2012, and Fall 2012). I had been advised variously to apply iron, DAP/diammonium phosphate, and, of course, the old-standard nitrogen.

Despite my complete lack of success with several previous fertilizing experiments, I treated some of my Nikko firs with a nitrogen fertilizer.

It was no surprise that this effort with the Nikko firs had no apparent affect on the color of the needles. So if I grow some more of these trees, I will be prepared to accept their less than 20Page 20 |

vibrant green color. But, I will probably again try some nitrogen fertilizer on a few of my Nikkos to see if I too can finally experience some of that mythic fertilizer magic. Based on my casual observation of Nikko firs over several years, I think that even in a good growth environment for these trees, they will have a somewhat pale-green color. It seems as though the distinctly yellowish-green color, which is not so attractive, appears on those trees that are growing in relatively wet soil. If my observation is correct, I can grow these trees if I’m happy enough with a tree sporting somewhat pale-green needles and avoid planting them in wetter areas of my fields.

Carolina Sapphire cypresses make it onto my list of won’t-grow-again trees, but two other cypresses don’t quite qualify for the list, although the other two have earned a much smaller space in my tree fields. We have been planting three different kinds of cypress regularly in several different fields since 2005; Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, and Leyland cypresses. As many of you know, Blue Ice and Carolina Sapphire cypresses are blue-colored trees derived from the Arizona cypress, and Leyland is a green-colored cypress. Carolina Sapphire is the one that I won’t grow again, because we have another bluecolored cypress, Blue Ice, that has brighter bluish color than the Carolina Sapphire and a more pleasing tree-like branch structure than the Carolina Sapphire. The Carolina Sapphire, because of its branch structure and growth, winds up being extremely dense, making it heavy, difficult for hanging ornaments, and, to some observers, it looks like a large, sheared shrub. Moreover, considering the limited demand for our bluecolored cypress trees, it isn’t practical for us to grow two blue cypresses that are viewed as fairly close substitutes by our customers. So, we will not grow Carolina Sapphire anymore

for Christmas trees but will keep a few to use their cuttings in some wreaths.

We will continue to grow Blue Ice and Leyland cypress, although in far fewer numbers. Both of the cypresses have the virtues of very fast growth, no needles to shed, and tolerance of wet soil. They do, however, have some significant shortcomings. 





First, both of these trees, especially the Leyland, tend to be quite dense making it difficult for hanging ornaments.

Second, despite their rapid growth, both of these trees are relatively heavy probably because of their dense foliage and very high water-holding capacity. By the time these trees are eight-feet tall, they can be quite a load for customers to handle.

Third, and a spectacular nuisance to me, the cypresses are easily tipped by the wind when the soil is wet. Unfortunately, our rather heavy soil is almost always very wet in the early spring as the frozen ground thaws, but it is sometimes very wet at other times of the year following heavy rains.

If, during any of these wet periods, we experience strong winds (almost a certainty in the early spring), a significant percentage of my cypresses, from six-inches to six-feet tall, will be tipped and require staking. Once the trees are more than two or three-feet tall, a fairly substantial stake is required –not just a bamboo stake. For example, during the Fall a couple of years ago, we experienced heavy rains that saturated the soil, followed by winds from the remnants of a hurricane; we were left with about 200 cypresses that required staking.

These included some that were eight-feet tall and needed an eight-foot T-post to do the job.

VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2016 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016



The fourth negative feature of the cypresses is that they need to be sheared twice a year. I give them their major shape-up shearing after I have finished shearing my other trees, usually in late July.

Unlike conifers, for which the season’s tip-growth is mostly ended by shearing, the cypresses continue to grow, albeit usually at a slower rate because of the relatively high temperatures and lack of rain we often experience in late summer. Nevertheless, because the additional growth usually makes the tree look shaggy, and the new tips are soft, I shear them a second time in mid October to create a finished look, and so that stiffer branches are readily accessible for hanging ornaments.

Out of all of the negative features of the cypresses, I find the need to stake up a high percentage of these trees to be most aggravating.

I should note that our tree fields have little protection from the wind by surrounding woods or tree lines, so our problem with tipped trees may be worse than for those whose trees are more protected from the wind.

Finally, the limited demand that we are finding for our cypresses is an important factor in our decision to significantly reduce our planting. Fellow VCTGA member Richard Kreh has told me on several occasions that cypresses constitute 20 percent of his tree sales. For us, that number is more like 10 percent, and this past selling season (2015) it was only five percent. It seems that the more, larger conifers we have available, the fewer cypresses we sell. We will continue growing some of these trees, because we do have a nontrivial number of customers who really want a cypress; they add to the diversity of trees we offer our customers (cypresses are not available at retail lots); and the Blue Ice has a truly striking color, texture, and aroma.

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VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

I have mentioned several species of trees that we won’t grow anymore in this and two previous issues of the VCTGA newsletter. But, we still have quite a number of species from which our customers can enjoy selecting their Christmas tree, including firs, spruces, pines, and cypresses.

As I was writing these articles, it occurred to me that all of the trees that I won’t grow again for Christmas trees are exotic firs or other exotic/unusual trees, at least for Virginia. As noted at the beginning of the first article, despite my decision to discontinue growing several of the more unusual trees we have been growing because of one problem or another, I found it interesting trying these trees and have no regrets about it. If you haven’t tried some of these trees already, you might have a different outcome with the trees than we did, and, whether you do or not, you may just enjoy trying them.

Steve Rhoades, steve21@shentel.net

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Jan

Scout

Scout

Scout Scout

Scout

Scout

Feb Scout

Spring scouting schedule for selected Christmas Tree species in Virginia.

Pest Bagworm Spruce Spider Balsam Twig White Grubs Balsam Woolly Adelgid Bagworm Gall Adelgids White Pine Weevil Spruce Spider Bagworm Pine Tortoise Scale Nantucket Pine Tip Moth Sawflies Pine Spittle Bugs Bagworm Pales Weevil White Pine Weevil Pine Bark Adelgid Needle Sheath Mite Pine Needle Scale Pine Spittle Bugs White Pine Aphid

Mar

Scout Scout

Scout

Scout Scout Scout

April

May

Scout

June

Scout Scout

Scout Scout

Scout

Scout Scout

Scout Scout

Scout

Scout

Scout Scout

Scout

Scout

Scout Scout

Consult your VCE PEST Mangement guide ( Pub 456-017) for more complete information. Prepared by Kyle R Peer and Eric Day Species Frasier Fir Frasier Fir Frasier Fir Frasier Fir Frasier Fir Spruce Spruce Spruce Spruce Scotch Pine Scotch Pine Scotch Pine Scotch Pine Scotch Pine White Pine White Pine White Pine White Pine White Pine White Pine White Pine White Pine Comments

1, 6, 10, 15 Pick over winter, Chemical control mid-June 2, 9 Treat only if trees are waist high to year before sale, treat if the percentage of shoots with mites exceeds 20%.

3 Treat only if the trees are within 2 years of harvest 4 Maintain as much grass growing between the trees as possible as the white grubs prefer to feed on grass roots 5 The best time to scout is in July as the adelgids are covered with a white cottony wax and are easily observed.

7 Look for small tufts of cotton like material at the base of buds. Treat with dormant oil in February or March 8,17 Look for resinous bleeding in late March or early April. Prune out and destroy infested tops in late June 11 Look for darkened patches or branches on the side or top of the tree 12 Look for small copper-colored moths flying from trees. For light infestations, simply shear off the damaged tip 13 Check the upper sections of pine tree for colonies of sawflies on the tips of lateral branches or on the leader.

14, 21 Look for spittle masses on shoots and trunk and for dead and yellow twigs 16 Treat the stumps in February or March with Asana where the tree was cut down less then one year ago, “first year stumps”.

18 Check for the white cottony wax on the trunk and twigs. If adelgids are present and more then 5% of tops are witch’s broomed consider treating.

19 Check trees in March by checking 10 needle bundles on 10 trees randomly selected in each block 20 Treat only if stunted growth, yellowing, or unsightly populations of scales are present 22 In May and June again scout for the aphids and mark trees for spot spraying or spray entire blocks if more then 5% of the trees are infected.

Comments 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

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Robert O’Keeffe started his Facebook page this year and posted this sign on his farm for customers to scan the QR code and ‘like’ his page.

Facebook Insights - November 10 to December 24

• 1,330 contacts • 443 clicks/likes • 59% were in the 25-44 age range

Are you on Facebook?

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2016

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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

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