Thinking about growing trees...

[greasemonkeyok]

Digging them out is a chore, then you need to ball them in burlap which is a bit of an art.....

Not if you use tree bags.

 

[Fossil Farm]

What is your definition of minimal effort? You do not just plant trees and sell them when they are whatever size you want to sell. Evergreens need to be sheared to a shape acceptable to your buyers, fruit trees need to be pruned to allow sunlight into the center for good production, there is mowing, spraying (depending on your diseases), digging (then purchasing topsoil to fill in the holes), watering if needed, marketing, and a whole host of considerations if you are planning on making a profit. Talk to a few Christmas tree growers and/or a few nurseries to see how "minimal" the work will be and be profitable. Might be more profitable to cash rent your land to a grain farmer depending on your location and needs. It is your call, but gather as much information as possible before making a decision. Good luck.

 

[PapaPerk]

Very good points gentlemen.

My minimal effort comment is relative. Minimal effort compared to raising tobacco, corn, cattle, strawberries, veg, etc. Mowing around a few trees, watering them and pruning them is "minimal" effort.

We have large consignment auctions around here where people will sell white pines that are burlaped. They usually go for $125 a piece in lot of 6.

My biggest concern is digging the trees. I have move 20' white pines and it's a pain. One consideration is to hire a tree spade but that cuts into my tight profit. But it maybe worth it.

Thank u for the input!

 

[ncnurseryman]

A tree spade is the only way to go and they are expensive. That is the primary reason I have not bothered with growing B&B trees, plus here in nc the trees are so cheap you would have to sell thousands to recoup the cost. There are nurseries that specialize in selling bare root tree liners that some other nurseries then plant into their fields for future B&B sales but this all requires labor, planting equipment, pruning and time before they are ready for sale. An easier way to do it is buy the size and type bare root liners that you want and plant them in containers and sell at a retail price. That is what I do. It's easier and a quicker turn around. However, you still will need an aged pine bark planting media (not soil), commercial grade slow release fertilizer and you will still need to water daily, prune and maintain them. Hope this helps some.

 

[randy41]

there are literally millions of unsold planted nursery trees in the county i live in. a lot were planted and then the market for them dried up. have you thought about growing christmas trees for direct sale?

 

[Misfire]

Any time you decide to make money using your land in any way, you should check on the tax advantages and consequences prior to turning the first shovelful of dirt.

Tax laws vary across jurisdiction, of course, and the US government is, well, the US government. US tax treatment for trees differs whether they are sold "on the stump" or not. Growing trees can be done as either a business or investment. Crops that take over a certain length of time to grow to harvestable size can be a capital gain. It's all quite complicated. Using the residential land attached to your home to grow a crop can change its tax status if you decide to sell it and move.

This website is one of the best resources for timber and Christmas tree growers. Even forest owners who aren't planing to market any timber should read it.

Advice on property tax rates and other state/local tax treatment because of agricultural activities should be sought from competent local sources. Relying on advice and anecdotes from individuals in other jurisdictions is not a good idea.