15 December 2024

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the Environment Edge podcast for a festive chat about the origin of the Christmas tree and its management.

The tradition of the Christmas tree originates from Central Europe around the 1600s, where evergreen trees symbolised rebirth. The ‘paradise tree’ was decorated with apples. The custom spread to England and later to the U.S. through German immigrants, influencing the widespread adoption of Christmas trees globally.

Ireland produces around 650,000 Christmas trees annually, with 450,000 sold locally and 200,000 exported, mostly to the UK. The industry is worth an estimated €21 million. The main tree species grown in Ireland are Nordmann Fir and Noble Fir, prized for their needle retention, while Norway Spruce, once popular, has fallen out of favour due to its needle loss.

Growing trees involves selecting the right species for the soil. While anyone can grow trees, success depends on proper care, including managing pests and diseases. The rotation for tree harvesting is typically 7-10 years, with trees growing to a height of 2 metres or more before being sold.

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