There are several species of insects that feed on and affect root growth of Fraser fir Christmas trees either in the field or in seed beds. These include: May and June beetle grubs (Phyllophaga anxia, Phyllophaga fusca and Polyphylla comes)
Full Answer
Why choose a Fraser fir tree for Christmas?
The slender growth habit makes it appealing to buyers looking for a tree for small rooms. The Fraser fir has been used more times as the Blue Room Christmas tree (the official Christmas tree of the White House) than any other type of tree.
How do you take care of a Fraser fir tree?
It’s easy to care for Fraser firs. Choose a location with plenty of bright sunlight most of the day and soil that is rich and moist. Make sure the soil drains well before planting your tree. Clay soil is particularly unsuitable.
Where do Fraser firs grow best?
Fraser Fir Information Fraser firs (Abies fraseri) are native to the higher elevations of the southern Appalachian Mountains. They are grown commercially for sale as Christmas trees, and they are unrivaled for holiday use because of their fresh fragrance and symmetrical shape.
Do grubs eat Fraser fir tree roots?
Not all grubs will eat Fraser fir roots. Some grubs, such as the Japanese beetle grubs ( Popillia japonica ), only eat grass roots. Others, such as green June beetle grubs ( Cotinus nitida ), only eat dead organic matter on the surface of the soil at night.
How do you care for a Frasier Christmas tree?
Keep trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
How do you care for a Fraser fir tree?
You should plant Fraser fir in moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil, spacing multiple trees at least 30 feet apart. Although this fir tolerates some standing water, it will not grow well in heavy clay soils. The area should provide at least partial sun, and the tree will grow fastest with full sun.
What is the best thing to feed a Christmas tree?
Andersen points out that some people swear by commercial Christmas tree preservatives, which can be mixed into the water in the stand. Others have said that they've had success by mixing a tablespoon of corn syrup or sugar into the water as a food source for the tree. Some people even add aspirin to the water.
How often should you water a Fraser fir Christmas tree?
"You should really be watering your tree daily," says O'Connor. "Especially during the first seven to ten days, which is when they take up the most water." For a standard size tree with a trunk diameter in the five-inch range, you'll want to maintain at least five quarts of water in your stand each day.
How do you keep a Fraser fir Christmas tree alive?
Follow these tips to keep your Christmas tree looking fresh long after it's cut.Choose a healthy Christmas tree. ... Trim the trunk (and then trim it again). ... Make sure your Christmas tree always has enough water. ... Keep the Christmas tree away from heat sources. ... Take your tree down before it dries out.
How old is a 6 foot Fraser fir?
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, in North Carolina, the Fraser fir "requires from 7 to 10 years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree."
Is sugar water good for Christmas trees?
Be sure to replace the water that is used each day and don't allow the stand to dry out. Do not add sugar, aspirin, bleach or floral preservatives to the water; plain tap water is all that is needed to keep your tree fresh.
What can you add to Christmas tree water?
There is some debate about whether adding any kind of mixture to the water helps keep a tree fresher longer. Tchukki Anderson, a staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association, says many people have had success by mixing a tablespoon of sugar or corn syrup in the water.
Can I put plant food in my Christmas tree water?
Fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and add flower food as directed! Then cut approximately 3-5 inches off the bottom of the trunk… and place into the bucket of Flower Nutrient water… *You'll be able to save the water in the garage… and add it though out the season!
Can you overwater a Christmas tree?
Watering your Christmas Tree: A freshly-cut six-to-seven foot tree can take in over a quart of water a day. The water basin of the stand should be sufficiently large that the very bottom of the tree will always remain immersed in water. “A tree can't be overwatered,” John says.
How long will a Fraser fir Christmas tree last?
Fraser Fir. The most popular tree at Sherwood Forest, the Fraser fir is dark green and lasts about five weeks.
Should I spray my Christmas tree with water?
You should spray your tree with room temperature water at least once a day but only when the Christmas lights are off and unplugged. Spraying your tree daily will reduce the dryness, prevent excessive amounts of needles from falling off, and make the tree more resistant against fire and flames.
How do you prune a Fraser fir?
Use a pair of clippers to cut back the leader to a length of about 12 inches. To keep the plant's vigor, wait until the plant is at least 4 1/2 feet tall before you cut the leader.
How quickly does a Fraser fir grow?
Fraser fir only puts on one flush of growth each year. In an outdoor nursery bed, it can take five years to progress from seed to a one-foot-tall transplant that is large enough to survive in a Christmas tree field.
Where do Fraser firs grow best?
Fraser fir grows at elevations as low as 1372 m (4,500 ft) on north slopes and protected coves but is found mostly above 1676 m (5,500 ft). It grows at 2037 m (6,684 ft) on top of Mount Mitchell, the highest point in eastern North America.
How long do Fraser firs last?
Fraser Fir. The most popular tree at Sherwood Forest, the Fraser fir is dark green and lasts about five weeks.
What insects eat Fraser fir trees?
These include: May and June beetle grubs ( Phyllophaga anxia, Phyllophaga fusca and Polyphylla comes) Asiatic garden beetle grub ( Maldera castanea) Masked chafer grub ( Cyclocephala sp.)
Why are my trees yellow?
Grubs and other root feeding pests cause poor growth through root loss. Small roots will be absent and larger roots are often stripped of their bark. Young trees will appear stunted with yellow-green color. Mortality will occur especially following periods of moisture stress. Even after grubs have been controlled, seedlings that have suffered severe root loss from grubs often will not recover and grow properly. Seedlings that have had root damage in plant beds should not be planted out into the field.
What is a black vine weevil?
The black vine weevil grub is similar in appearance to scarab beetle grubs, except they are legless. Occasionally they are also pests of seedlings. The adult black vine weevil is also a pest, feeding on more than 100 different kinds of plants with their preferred hosts being rhododendrons, hemlocks and yews. Adult weevils feed on leaf margins causing a typical crescent-shaped notch.
Why are grubs so hard to kill?
Grubs are difficult to kill because insecticides are often bound to clay and organic matter in the soil and will not move deep enough into the soil to affect the grubs. Grub control is improved if insecticides can be incorporated into the soil.
What do aphids eat?
Root aphids feed on conifer roots for part of their lifecycle, then become woolly aphids that feed on ash trees. They appear as large white aphids on the roots. It is not known how much damage they cause to their conifer host; however, when numbers exceed one hundred aphids on a single seedling, growth of fine feeder roots appears to be reduced.
How long do white grubs live?
Depending on the species, they can live in the soil for up to three years before maturing into the adult beetle.
How to identify grubs?
Proper identification of grubs is important. White grubs are often identified by the raster pattern , which is the pattern of hairs on the tip of the abdomen. With a hand lens, a grower may be able to distinguish between the different types. For positive identification, however, it is best to put the grubs in a small bottle in alcohol and send them to the North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic in Raleigh. Contact your local County Extension agent to aid in grub identification.
What is the best tree for Christmas?
Fraser fir trees are widely used as Christmas trees. The species' fragrance, shape, strong limbs, and ability to retain its soft needles for a long time when cut (which do not prick easily when hanging ornaments) make it one of the best trees for this purpose.
What happens to a tree after it is infected?
After a tree is infected with them, it starves. (Or it's made weaker by the infestation and something else kills it.) By the '80s, millions of trees had been lost. The ornamental uses and the planting of the tree at lower elevations by farmers may lead to the ultimate salvation of the species.
How to keep a Christmas tree looking good?
Do not saw at an angle. Place the tree away from a heat source to keep it from drying out, and water it daily.
Where is the Fraser fir tree grown?
In the United Kingdom, it is grown in plantations in Scotland and sold by the thousands throughout the country.
Where is the Fraser Fir native to?
The Fraser fir has a distinct distribution. Its native habitat is restricted to high elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. It is the only fir endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains.
How long does it take for a Christmas tree to grow?
It's a big challenge for Christmas tree farmers to decide what trees will be popular sellers in 10 to 20 years so they can plan their planting properly. Frasier firs take about 12 years to grow to 6–7 feet in height (1.8–2.1 m).
Is Fraser Fir endangered?
Endangered Species. The Fraser fir is most threatened by an invasive insect that came over from Europe in the '50s, the balsam woolly adelgid, which is related to aphids. After a tree is infected with them, it starves. (Or it's made weaker by the infestation and something else kills it.)
Why is Fraser Fir called She Balsam?
Locally Fraser fir is known as “She balsam” because of the resin filled blisters on the tree’s trunk.
What is Fraser fir used for?
Fraser fir boughs have often been used for “pine pillows” and bed stuffing. Prepared by Dr. Craig R. McKinley, North Carolina State University.
How long are Fraser fir leaves?
Leaves are 1/2 to one inch long, have a broad circular base, and are usually dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the lower surface. On lower branches, leaves are two-ranked (occurring in two opposite rows). On upper twigs, leaves tend to curl upward forming a more “U-shaped” appearance. Fraser fir is monecious meaning ...
How long does it take for a Fraser fir tree to grow?
It requires from 7 to 10 years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree. Range: Fraser fir has a somewhat restricted range. It grows naturally only at elevations above 4,500 feet in the Southern Appalachian Mountains from southwest Virginia, through western North Carolina, and into eastern Tennessee.
What is the difference between a red spruce and a Fraser fir?
Strong branches are turned slightly upward which gives the tree a compact appearance.
What is the habitat of Fraser Fir?
Fraser fir is intermediate in shade tolerance and is usually found on fertile, rocky to sandy soils which are acidic. Natural associates are red spruce, beech and yellow birch. Rhododendrons also are found in this ecosystem, and add significant beauty during their flowering season.
What are the characteristics of Fraser fir?
Common Characteristics:#N#The Fraser fir branches turn slightly upward. They have good form and needle-retention. They are dark blue-green in color. They have a pleasant scent, and excellent shipping characteristics as well.
How much soluble B is needed for a Christmas tree?
Most Christmas tree species will respond well to foliar B applied as Solubor™ at from 0.1 to 0.2 lb. B/acre. This would require 1 lb. of Solubor™ in 100 gallons of spray/acre, if applied alone. If you are combining multiple nutrients in one spray, drop the rate of actual B back to between 0.05 to 0.1 lb/acre, so as to keep the total amount of fertilizer products applied below 5 lb. /100 gal. /acre. See the separate section of this paper on foliar application for more information.
Why are conifers low in Ca?
Many species of conifers suffer from poor Ca nutrition. This occurs for several reasons, but primarily because the acid soils required by many trees are low in Ca supplying power. Also, many species require excellent soil drainage and these soils simply do not have the holding power (CEC) to retain a naturally large supply of most nutrients, including Ca. Where there is a need to increase the soil Ca level, most producers should combine soil applications with foliar applications. This is because the initial soil applications are likely to be “tied-up” by the soil, and leave the trees still short of Ca. As repeated soil applications start to increase the soil Ca levels, the trees will begin to acquire more of their Ca needs from the soil. Ideally, you would like to see your soils with a Ca saturation higher than 50%. Unfortunately, under the acid soil pH that many conifers require, the natural soil Ca saturation is often much less than 50%. Also, while there is no ideal ratio of one element to another, it is desirable to have the soil Ca:Mg ratio between 3:1 and 5:1.
What is the best source of magnesium?
As with calcium, the most economical source of Mg is lime . Dolomitic lime typically contains more that 10% Mg, so 1 ton of this lime will supply 200 lb/acre of Mg. Where lime is needed, use dolomitic lime to economically add large amounts of Mg to the soil. If lime is not needed, the most common sources of Mg are Magnesium sulfate, often called by its common name Epsom Salts (MgSO4), 10% Mg and 13% S, and sulfate of potash magnesium (K2SO4MgSO4), sold under the trade names of K-Mag and Sul-Po-Mag. Sulfate of potash magnesium has a typical analysis of 22% K2O, 11% Mg, and 22% S. There are also sources of Mg such as magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and various chelated forms. Most are adequate sources of Mg; however magnesium oxide is not considered soluble and is not likely to provide a quick crop response. Where the soil needs magnesium, it normally requires additions of large amounts of fertilizer to correct the problem, sometimes over several years. Where a quick response is needed, Epsom salts and sulfate of potash magnesium are typically the most economical sources, after dolomitic lime. Nutrient recommendations range from 11 to 66 lb. of Mg/acre, depending on the severity of need.
Is phosphorus fertilizer good for foliar application?
Good quality responses have been reported with foliar applications of various proprietary phosphorus products, but common agricultural phosphorus fertilizers are not generally adequate for foliar application purposes. Foliar applied potassium has been used successfully in several annual crops, but has not been found to be necessary with conifers. When using one of the proprietary products, follow the manufacturer’s application recommendations.
Is foliar fertilizer good for needles?
Foliar N fertilization can be a very effective practice, but it is intended as a supplement to a good soil fertilization program. Soil applied N is normally very quick and effective at solving an N shortage. The benefits of foliar N fertilization can be only temporary, and multiple applications in a season may be required. In any event, you should not expect to see more than one seasons effect from a foliar spray treatment. Also, excessive applications of foliar fertilizer can damage the needles. Some nutrients and fertilizer sources are more damaging than others when applied at excessive rates.
Do conifers need B?
There is some disagreement in the literature, and between authorities on the B requirement of most conifers grown for Christmas trees. Recent experience leads us to believe that most of these species require higher internal B levels than was originally thought. The producer should be careful to apply B at the proper rate, based on tissue analysis, to avoid over-application and tree damage. Boron is highly mobile in the soil and is readily absorbed by the roots, therefore soil applications are normally adequate to supply the trees needs.
Do you need to apply S as a foliar?
In our experience, there is not a need to apply S as a foliar application. Some incidental S will be applied when another nutrient in the sulfate form is applied.
