For many, bringing a real Christmas tree home is a cherished holiday tradition. But the journey from a tiny seedling to a festive centerpiece involves a year-long cycle of meticulous care, science-backed techniques, and a deep commitment to sustainability. This process includes careful hand planting, targeted fertilization at multiple stages, selective weed management, thoughtful shearing, and strategic harvesting to ensure maximum freshness.
Trees take an average of 7–10 years to grow to harvest height, depending on species.
To understand what it takes to grow the perfect tree, we spoke with fourth-generation Christmas tree growers at Sexton Farms. Their team supplies fresh-cut trees to The Home Depot, and during a recent walk-through of their tree farm, he shared fresh perspectives on planting, nurturing, and recycling trees to create lasting memories for families nationwide.
Walk us through the very beginning of the year. What happens first on the farm?
Our year starts in the spring with replanting. We usually kick off around mid-March and go full blast, planting by hand. It's a meticulous process—every tree is placed by digging a small hole, making certain the roots point downward so the tree can establish itself properly. We take care to stomp out air pockets around the roots because if air gets in, it can hurt the tree.
How long does the planting process take, and what happens immediately after?
Planting is pretty labor-intensive. A team of planters will work together for about a month, making sure each tree goes in at just the right spot—often right between the stumps of previous trees in the block. After planting, we quickly move into fertilizing. We do an initial round, then a second round later in the year, tailoring the blends to fit each farm’s unique soil needs based on our annual pH and nutrient testing.
Fertilization and growth go hand-in-hand, but what challenges come with this?
It’s a double-edged sword. Fertilizing encourages strong growth, but weeds love fertilizer too. As our trees grow, so do the weeds, so we have to manage both at the same time. We aim to keep the area clear enough for photosynthesis and healthy root systems, but without going overboard—which could cause erosion or other problems.
What does weed management look like in practice?
Weed management is ongoing. The tree’s roots spread out, so weeds can compete for vital nutrients if we’re not diligent. Our crews regularly walk the fields to remove weeds, but we’re careful not to clear too much and compromise the soil. There’s always a balance: enough clearance for trees to thrive, without risking erosion or runoff.
When does shearing occur, and how does it affect the shape and health of the trees?
Shearing is one of the most hands-on parts of our process and usually takes place in July and August. Every tree is shaped by hand with a specialized shear knife. If a tree is going to be harvested that year, we shear it a bit looser to preserve branches for ornament hanging; trees that will grow another year get a tighter shear to encourage new growth and density. There’s an art—go too deep, and it takes longer for the tree to fill out, but done right, it ensures the perfect, lush look customers expect.
How do you ensure only the best trees make it to customers?
Tagging and selection are done by hand as the trees near maturity. Throughout the year, each tree may be touched three to four times—for soil testing, fertilizing, pest monitoring, shearing, or tagging. Only the best, healthiest trees are marked for harvest that season.
Pest management and tree health are major concerns. How do you monitor for issues?
We scout constantly for pests like twig aphids in early spring and mites later in the year. We use targeted treatments only when necessary and track predatory insects, like wasps, which often indicate pest activity. The goal is always to avoid unnecessary applications and keep the orchard’s ecosystem balanced.
As harvest approaches, are there specific steps you take to optimize freshness?
Absolutely. Timing is everything. We wait for a few frosts so the trees enter dormancy, which is crucial for needle retention once indoors. Harvest typically starts in November, and we coordinate closely with The Home Depot so that trees are shipped and arrive fresh—often within a day of harvest. For markets like Puerto Rico, we begin shipping even earlier to account for transit times, while still ensuring the trees are at their peak.
How should customers care for their tree at home for the best results?
Water is key—keep your tree stand full and check the water. Trees need water daily, If a it stops taking up water, you can remove some of the outside layer of the bark to expose the inner layer of the tree around the base of the stand. With the right care, our trees stay fresh and healthy well throughout the holiday season.
What happens to Christmas trees after the holidays—and what recycling innovations are you seeing?
Recycling options are growing every year. Besides mulching centers, leftover trees can be turned into wildlife habitat when sunk in ponds or laid on woodland floors for small animals. Some communities use old trees to restore riverbanks or sand dunes—branches catch sediments and help stabilize the land. We see creativity too; people make coasters, crafts, or art from trunks and branches. We’re supportive of anything that gives trees a purposeful second life.
The Home Depot is committed to sourcing from growers who use responsible and sustainable practices, ensuring that the holiday traditions of today contribute to a healthier planet for tomorrow.
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