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Press Release: Understanding the Fate of Christmas Tree Stumps
Every other Friday, New Hampshire Public Radio’s Outside/In team takes listener questions about the natural world, illuminating fascinating insights into ecology. This week, the team addressed Mo from Epsom’s inquiry regarding the fate of Christmas tree stumps left behind after the holiday season.
Marina Henke, a producer at NHPR, explored the topic and discovered that approximately 30 million Christmas trees are cut down in the U.S. annually, leaving behind countless stumps in tree farms. Tim Gaudreau, who runs an organic Christmas tree farm in Barnstead, New Hampshire, explained that after harvesting, he simply cuts the stumps level to the ground and leaves them in place. This method is not just a time-saver; it facilitates the decomposition of the stumps, which enriches the soil with vital nutrients.
After fully harvesting a section of trees, Gaudreau allows the land to lie fallow for several years. During this time, he plants cover crops, such as buckwheat, clover, and sunflowers, which rejuvenate the soil. This ecological strategy, he noted, is essential for building soil health.
Henke also reached out to Meert Christmas Tree Farm in Festus, Missouri, where Victoria Meert confirmed that stumps decay naturally, allowing new trees to be planted nearby without removing the stumps.
The approach taken by different tree farms can vary; some growers opt to plant new trees adjacent to old stumps, eschewing a fallow period. This diversity in practice illustrates the complexity of sustainable farming techniques.
Listeners who wish to learn more about the natural world or submit questions to the Outside/In team can do so via voice memo or their hotline. The Outside/In podcast is available for subscription on various platforms.
Source
Photo credit www.vermontpublic.org
