Warren County Soil & Water’s next“Farm Talk” will focus on growing Christmas trees and fruit trees. The first presentation of the night is “Christmas Tree Farming: We’ll get you in the Spirit” with Mark Brown of Brown’s Tree Farm. The second presentation of the night will be “Planning a Small Fruit Tree Farm: Where do you start?” with Nate Darrow of Saratoga Apple.

The talks will be held this Friday, March 27th, from 6 to 8 pm at the DEC’s Warrensburg Office, 232 Golf Course Road, in Warrensburg.

Christmas trees in New York can be considered a winter agricultural crop. There are many popular species of trees including Balsam, Fraser and Canaan Firs, White Spruce, Scotch Pine and more, but what kind of trees should you grow and how do you properly manage them?  This type of tree farming can be very lucrative, with additional value-added products such as wreaths and garland.  It’s important to plan and select what grows best at your site as well as what are popular in your region. Trees can be purchased at low prices and turned into a great product within a few years.

Fruit tree production is very in-depth when it comes to choosing rootstocks and varieties. There are many different varieties you can grow depending on your climate and planned use. Keep in mind apple trees grow and are pruned differently than pear trees and pollination is an essential part of your success. When it comes to young fruit trees, care and development varies each year until the tree is mature and the structure of the tree is set.

RSVP to Nick Rowell at (518)623-3119 or nrowell123@nycap.rr.com as seating is limited.

Photo of Nate Darrow of Saratoga Apple in Schuylerville provided.