Depending on the variety, that seedling should become ready for market as a Christmas tree within the next two or three years. Meanwhile, the stumps run their course with Mother Nature and will decompose in about three years. The reality is that tree farming is a long-term investment of time and labor, requiring a significant amount of care and maintenance right up to sale time. During both spring and fall months, all tree tops are sheared in such a way to encourage a uniform characteristic shape and taper as they continue to grow and develop. It also results in increasing the foliage density of the tree by promoting the formation of more buds and therefore the development of more twigs and branches.
Shearing is considered essential for producing trees with full foliage and uniform symmetry.
During June through August, all tree shaping is cared for with an electric rotary shear. Because trimming can cause needles to brown, leaving patches of burn spots on the tree. To factor in recovery time for new growth to heal these blemishes, the market-ready trees must be trimmed well before the sales season begins. Judy and Peter have discovered that not everyone shares the same shearing preferences for their trees. Some customers want them sheared short with a perfectly straight taper, some prefer a bit loose and brushy, while a few others seek the au natural look with absolutely no trimming of any kind.