Tree Farm | Types of Trees
At Boys' Home Christmas Tree Farm, there are currently three species of trees available. In 1995, we began expanding our selections to include blue spruce and two types of firs. Throughout the year, boys from Boys' Home travel to the Boys' Home Christmas Tree Farm to plant, transplant, maintain fields, shape and harvest the Christmas trees. Two year old seedlings are placed in our transplant beds. After two to three years in the transplant bed, the maturing seedlings are then hand planted in the fields during the late spring using a dibble bar. Shearing begins in June with the white and Scotch pines. The goal of shearing is to produce a tree with one central stem, a conical crown, and a balanced density of foliage at harvest time. Our boys and staff use a combination of hand-held motorized shearing machines, hedge clippers, hand pruners, and the traditional shearing knife. Throughout the growing season, other tasks accomlished by the boys include: maintenance of the buildings, grounds, and tree fields. Prior to Thanksgiving, we harvest trees for wholesales. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, our boys staff the gift shop and choose and cut sales.
The Eastern White PineA soft, long needle favorite |
Norway SpruceOur best selling tree! |
Scotch PineA Virginia highlands tradition |
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