Area Tree Farmer Produces Innovative Container-Grown Christmas Trees

  Advanced horticultural methods result in practical living Christmas trees

and landscape evergreens that are easily transplantable for the do-it-yourself homeowner

Brandon Twp., Michigan –Using breakthrough horticultural practices, Frank and Cathy Genovese are successfully raising evergreen trees in lightweight containers. At Candy Cane CHRISTmas Tree Farm located on Seymour Lake Rd., between Oxford and Ortonville, Michigan, the Genoveses have developed their U-plant living Christmas trees by incorporated advanced horticultural methods. These include using an extremely light-weight soil-less mix, replanting the trees in progressively larger pots, and drip irrigation. As a result, the trees are extremely lightweight, a six foot potted tree weighing about 60 lbs. The container-growing method conserves the entire root structure. The greater mass of hair roots eliminates transplant shock and improves the tree’s post transplant survivability – virtually 100% with basic care.

By contrast, in the conventional balling and burlapping (B&B) or in field-dug trees, processes typically used for transplanting trees, up to 75% of the roots can be cut off or damaged.

This slows down the tree’s growth rate as the plant has to reestablish roots before it can start growing – usually about three years.

Further, a comparably-sized B&B evergreen weighs between 200-300 pounds, making it difficult to transport and plant, and often requiring specialized equipment.

An additional benefit of the container-grown evergreen for landscapers and homeowners is the container-grown tree’s quicker establishment and resulting faster growth rate. “Planted next to an eight-foot B&B tree, a six-foot container-grown tree will outgrow the B&B tree in three years,” says Frank Genovese.

The Genoveses began planting these potted evergreens in 2003 as a response to folks who wanted a living Christmas tree that could be easily transplanted, was easy to handle and had excellent survivability. According to Frank, “These trees can be set up and decorated indoors for up to two weeks, and then planted outdoors to enhance the landscape.” 

After extensive research and development and five growing years, the Genoveses now offer several varieties of conifers, in three sizes—two to three feet, four to five feet, and five to six feet. They are the first in Michigan and one of only a few tree farms in the nation to offer container-grown Christmas trees.

Perhaps most important from a customer-pleasing standpoint, the potted evergreens make truly viable living Christmas trees. “For people who want the ultimate “green” Christmas tree,” says Frank, “our container-grown evergreens are the answer. And because customers get two trees in one—a beautiful Christmas tree and a landscape tree—they’re a terrific bargain. The challenge is overcoming the customers’ earlier experiences with B&B trees. The container trees make great gifts, too, especially for commemorative events such as births, anniversaries, new homes, etc.”

While Cathy and Frank are excited about introducing this new potted tree, Frank says, “Candy Cane CHRISTmas Tree Farm continues to offer a wide variety of premium evergreens and wreaths for the many families who come out to choose and cut a fresh beautiful Christmas tree.”