We removed the parent trees that had poor needle retention, and this has become our 356 orchard. After seeing some poor needle retention issues in this orchard, we ran a needle retention test on the parent and its offspring. The seed was collected in the native stands and grown to 8 feet, the best 10% were selected for the orchard based on form, texture, and shear ability. 356- Our Canaan Fir orchard source is the Canaan Valley, WV.320 – Our Balsam Fir orchard origin is unknown, but we suspect its source is Maine.We are still testing the offspring of this orchard but expect it to be exceptional. Best row run selected 3 to 5% for this orchard. 270 – This a 2 nd generation Fraser Fir orchard based on 12 parents from the original 240 orchard.We grew the offspring to 8 feet and selected the best 1% for an orchard. The single parent’s offspring proved to be an outstanding tree with the ability to grow on sites that are more marginal. 241 – This Fraser Fir orchard was set from one single parent tree in our original 240 orchard.The selection was based on form, color, shear ability and texture. The orchard trees were selected from the best 2% of 6–8-foot trees in our plantation. 031- A Scotch Pine orchard that’s origin is from Spanish Guadarrama.Characteristics are evaluated for form, texture, density, growth rate, color shear ability, time of bud break (frost resistant or frost prone), resistance to disease and insects, and the ability to grow in variable sites. It is then grown to Christmas tree maturity and evaluated each year during the process. At each point, it is labeled and mapped with the individual parent tree number. The seed is then planted in the seedbed, transplant bed, and Christmas tree field separately. We then collect the seed from each individual tree and keep it separate. The procedure begins by numbering each tree within the seed orchard. At that point, we decided to do more testing to acquire a more consistent tree.Īt this time, we have started our extensive testing process, which is a constant ongoing process. Through the years, we realized not all the trees were the high quality we desired, even though they were a significant improvement over the wild stands. After collecting seed from our own orchards, we could easily see that our selected orchards provided us with a more superior tree than that of the wild stands and even our selected wild stand picks. All our orchards were set using the most superior trees within our Christmas Tree fields. We are currently working to establish more up and coming orchards including Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Turkish Fir, Serbian Spruce as well as other Fraser Fir orchards. We currently have orchards in Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Fraser Fir, and Scotch Pine. The orchards are located on our farm in Spartansburg, Pennsylvania. In the snowy North, where landscapes can look barren in winter, evergreens such as Colorado blue spruce trees can provide much-needed winter interest.We currently have 9 different Seed Orchards in five species. But they’re equally effective as specimen trees.Ĭolorado blue spruce trees are valuable in deer country, as their prickly texture and strong aroma render them conveniently deer-resistant. Plant in full sun to partial sun in a location with moist, fertile soil.Ĭan be planted in rows to form windbreaks. Sun and Soil Requirements for Colorado Blue Spruce Trees: Prune off half of the fresh growth on each candle (i.e., growing tip) in spring. Plant Care for Colorado Blue Spruce Trees:Ĭolorado blue spruce trees don’t need to be pruned, but they can be pruned if you wish to promote denser foliage. The pyramidal shape of Colorado blue spruce trees makes them a classic choice for Christmas. Their silvery-blue needles are prickly to the touch and aromatic. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones for Colorado Blue Spruce Trees:Ĭolorado blue spruce trees can be grown in zones 3-7.Ĭharacteristics of Colorado Blue Spruce Trees:Ĭolorado blue spruce trees typically reach a height of 30′-60′ and spread out 10′-20′.
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