Christmas trees and festive greenery – a Danish export adventure
The Nordmann fir that conquered Europe's living rooms
As a forest and nature technician you must according to the competency goals be able to perform work tasks with the care of Christmas trees and ornamental greenery areas as well as harvesting of Christmas tree and ornamental greenery products. It is a specialty that fills surprisingly much of Danish export and many students end up working with all or parts of their career.
§Denmark is the world's largest exporter
Denmark is the world's largest exporter of Christmas trees — Germany produces more trees overall but uses the vast majority on its own domestic market. Denmark produces annually in the order of 10-12 million trees and the vast majority — typically around 8-10 million per year — goes to export. In addition there is significant sales of ornamental greenery (cut greenery). According to the Danish Nature Conservation Society the combined area of Christmas trees and ornamental greenery is around 30,000 hectares.
| Key figures | Size |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers | Op mod ca. 2.400 |
| Annual production | 10-12 mio. træer |
| Export | About 8-10 million trees per year |
| Decorative greenery | Ca. 25.000-30.000 ton om året |
| Total area | Cirka 30.000 hektar |
§Nordmannsgranen dominerer
About 80 percent of Danish Christmas trees are Nordmann firs, while 10-15 percent are red firs. The popularity of Nordmann fir is partly because it retains its needles better after felling than many other species — a decisive characteristic when the tree needs to be transported far and stand indoors for several weeks.
§From planting to harvest — the year's cycle on a plantation
- 01Shape pruning so the tree gets the dense, symmetrical form the market demands
- 02Løbende ukrudts- og skadedyrsbekæmpelse i kulturen
- 03Fertilisation adapted to soil and tree growth stage
- 04Harvesting where trees are felled and transported away from the plantation
- 05Sorting by quality, size, and shape
- 06Netting and packing ready for further transport and export
§The export markets
Germany is the largest buyer and purchases about half of the Danish Christmas trees exported, while Britain and France among others are also important markets. The export markets set clear requirements for shape, density and quality, which directly affect how cultivation care is arranged throughout the growing period.
“Behind Every Exported Christmas Tree Lies Several Years of Care, Cutting and Patience.”