Christmas Tree Harvest Challenges in the Snowy Season
Winter's heavy snowfall presents unique challenges for those working in the Christmas tree industry. While snow-covered trees might look picture-perfect, they become difficult to harvest. The industry association VNWB even urged understanding if some sales outlets might open a bit later due to the weather or if the full selection becomes available a few days later.
Undeterred, Ostseetanne, a Christmas tree plantation company in Marlow, continues its tree harvesting operations. Managing Director Benedikt Schneebecke shares the struggle: "This season has been the toughest yet. The massive snowfall was a disaster for us." The trees, already hefty at around ten kilograms each in the net, were even heavier due to the snow. Additionally, the markings on the trees were hard to find, making the work exhausting for all employees.
Despite the challenges, Ostseetanne's Nordmann fir trees continue to be in high demand. Approximately 85% of their business revolves around this variety, priced at an average of 22 euros per meter. The company plants around 140,000 new trees annually.
Christmas trees in German homes are usually between ten and eleven years old. They're typically planted as three-year-olds and spend another six to eight years growing in the plantation before being harvested for Christmas. By then, they've grown to an average height of 175 centimeters.
Further Insights
When it comes to Christmas tree harvests in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, environmental factors and conservation efforts are playing significant roles. While the supplied sources didn't directly address the impact of heavy snow on this specific region, they highlighted the importance of peatland revitalization and biodiversity conservation projects in Germany.
To gain a more accurate view of how snow affects Christmas tree harvests in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the measures being taken by the industry, consulting regional agricultural or forestry reports is recommended. General adaptation measures might include advanced planning, using weather-resistant materials, and implementing sustainable forestry practices.
