introduction christmas trees once regarded as by products of the forestry industry have been produced a highly specialised crop since early 1980 s good returns in terms both capital and time are possible however such can only be achieved through knowledge high standards production access to suitable markets commitment from producer ireland domestic requirement is approximately 400 000 per annum annual planting ranges 300 500 with becoming increasingly dependent on export market noble fir requires relatively fertile slightly acidic soils areas that not too exposed growing quality skilled labour intensive job considerable financial investment for tree europe 60 million year standard grown this country along minor quantities other firs pines trend demand towards more needle retaining irish very limited has changed considerably past few years increasing availability customers now prepared pay higher prices
