Academic Wage Appt - Salaried
Office: 503-678-1264
Christmas Tree Specialist
Extension program touches on all aspects of Christmas tree production beginning with site preparation and continuing all the way through harvest and shipping.
Current research efforts include work in the following areas:
Tree selection and breeding
Fertilization
Christmas Tree Farm Certification Training
SERF-Socially and Environmentally Responsible Farm, is an environmental certification program for Christmas tree growers in Oregon and Washington.
At OSU
My Awards
My Publications
Outreach and Extension
Extension Service Site Publications (2024) Woodland Notes - Fall 2024 The Woodland Notes newsletter - where you can read about forestry and Christmas tree information on tree management and health, find local forestry events that cover Clackamas, Marion, and Hood River counties, and other items of interest for woodland owners/growers.
(2022) Episode 28: Christmas Trees In this episode, Jacob Putney and Chal Landgren discuss the history and science behind growing Christmas trees in Oregon. Landgren is the former OSU Extension Christmas Tree Specialist.
(2021) Christmas tree experimenting: what’s new and what stays the same after 40 years
(2021) A better method for controlling leader growth on Christmas trees Trying to control leader length on true fir Christmas trees has always been a tricky proposition. But now, after years of experimentation, a method using a plant growth regulator has proven successful.
(2020) Promising new Christmas tree variety undergoing trials Trials are underway for a promising, new Christmas tree variety. The Trojan fir will undergo field trials that will evaluate traits including growth, needle retention and appearance. The trials will conclude in 2031.
(2019) Breeding Christmas Trees Oregon produces over 4.5 million Christmas trees. The goal isn’t to create picture-perfect Christmas trees. These trees are grown for breeding and cultural practices that benefit the Christmas tree industry.
(2021) OSU research keeps Oregon Christmas tree industry No. 1 in the nation Each Christmas tree species requires special skill and specific knowledge to be grown successfully.
(1994) Nitrogen fertilizer: Where does it go?
(2021) Developing Quality Christmas Trees in the Pacific Northwest Each Christmas tree species requires special skill and specific knowledge to be grown successfully. This publication outlines how trees grow and the culturing practices necessary to develop the size, shape, and density of true fir, Douglas-fir, pine, and spruce Christmas trees so that they are marketable.
(2003) Growing Christmas Trees in the Pacific Northwest A guide for the prospective and novice Christmas tree grower. Includes how to evaluate risk and potential for return. Discusses the tree growing cycle, tasks and time requirements, pertinent laws and regulations, and costs, returns, and taxes. Describes 11 popular species (color photos) including their soil and site preferences, pest and disease susceptibilities, and relative market value. References.
(2017) Weed and Vegetation Management Strategies in Christmas Trees This publication offers an integrated approach to effective weed management in Christmas trees, incorporating diverse strategies and practices to keep weed populations off balance. It includes strategies for using prevention, mechanical means, cover crops and vegetated strips, flame weeding, and biological and chemical controls. Emphasis in chemical recommendations is on strategies to reduce herbicide resistance and protect surface and groundwater from pesticide loss.
(2014) Best Management Practices for Christmas Tree Export (Buenas Prácticas de Manejo para la Exportación de Árboles de Navidad) This full-color, bilingual (English and Spanish) field guide provides Christmas tree producers with information on identifying and managing pests of concern to export trading partners. It features best management practices to help minimize the presence of pests at harvest and describes how to identify these problems. It includes management calendars, pest quarantine information, legal considerations for exporting, and options for monitoring and trapping. This pocket-sized guide has dozens of photos and is printed on water-resistant paper, making it perfect for using in the field.
Content is also available on a responsive, mobile-friendly, bilingual website, link below.
This publication is printed to order and shipped directly from OSU Printing & Mailing Services. Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery.
(2019) Esquilar y Cultivar Arboles de Navidad Aprenda técnicas de eficacia para mejorar la cantidad y calidad de su cosecha de arboles de Navidad
(2019) Christmas Tree Nutrient Management Guide for Western Oregon and Washington A comprehensive guide to fertilization and nutrient management in Christmas tree fields. Discusses tree nutrient use at various stages in the crop cycle and explains how to use soil and tissue testing to determine fertilizer needs. Presents a long-term nutrient management approach that will ensure availability of nutrients throughout the tree's life cycle, with the objective of achieving optimal tree size and color.
My Media