If you’ve ever thought about growing your own Christmas tree and wondered, how long does it take to grow a Christmas tree, you may be surprised to learn that different types of Christmas tree have different growing times.
In addition, there are different conditions required for various types of evergreen trees.
This complete guide explores 25 types of popular the yuletide decoration, explaining the answer to, how long does it take to grow a Christmas tree, for each.
And, it provides instructions on how to plant and care for your growing tree so that it will thrive.
How Long Does a Christmas Tree Take To Grow?
Each Christmas tree grows differently, some faster than others, which are often grown on large farms (which sequester carbon emissions).
The slowest can grow at a foot a year while the fastest grow two to four feet during a 12 month period.
The growth rate depends on several factors, from the variety you choose to its state when you purchase it.
Many species can grow giant within a few years and require pruning, but generally, Christmas trees take 4-7 years to reach about five feet.
How Long Does It Take To Grow a Christmas Tree in Each Stage?
Like any other tree, Christmas varieties grow differently in each life stage, and it is crucial to account for each. Your tree must come from the seed, germinate into the sapling, then start the maturity phase.
The seed grows gradually, but the rate increases at the sapling phase and then declines before maturity.2
The process from germination into the sapling stage requires patience since it can drag on for a while. The tree can grow to only a foot in up to four years, explaining why most planters would instead start from seedlings, not seeds.
(Image: extremis12)
The second phase is the fastest because the tree takes time to develop more robust roots, after which it can focus more on its growth. It can reach an astounding 4 feet tall in a year under the best care and conditions.
The last step is the journey to becoming a mature tree, where the growth spurt drops and the rate slows again. However, Christmas trees are known to tower over other trees in a few years, effortlessly reaching over 60 feet high.10
What Is the Average Christmas Tree Growing Time?
All types of trees grow at specific rates based on various factors.
The average Christmas tree growing time is three to four years. However, this varies according to the species, among other factors.
The following are common Christmas trees and their growth rates.
Fast-Growing Christmas Trees
Below are the common Christmas trees with an average annual growth rate of 3 to 6 feet.
1. Leyland Cypress
This sapless tree is from the south of the US and is known for its rapid growth rate.
Under ideal conditions, it can attain 3-4 feet yearly, especially when young.
(Image: leoleobobeo12)
(Image: Zaid Ajani17)
2. Arizona Cypress
As the name suggests, the Arizona Cypress mainly grows in Arizona, but you can find it in Texas and other states in the south.
It also grows up to 4 feet in the right environment.
3. Grand Fir
It is one of the fastest-growing trees, sometimes recording an impressive 4-feet increase in a season.
(Image: Cruiser11)
4. Monterey Pine
As one of the fastest-growing Christmas trees, the pine can grow to 3-6 feet a year and reach over 80 feet in 20 years.
5. Jeffrey Pine
Although it primarily grows at a moderate rate, the Jeffrey Pine can surpass the 3 feet annually under certain conditions.
(Image: usuario32212)
Average-Growing Christmas Trees
Below are the common Christmas trees with an average annual growth rate of 2 to 3 feet.
6. Norway Spruce
This Christmas tree is known for its moderate to fast growth rate, often growing to two to over three feet annually.
(Image: carrograhn8712)
7. Eastern White Pine
The mildly fragrant Christmas tree is ideal for people with allergies and grows to more than 2 feet a season.
8. Canaan Fir
Like the Fraser Fir, this tree usually grows in Virginia at a faster rate of 2-3 feet.
(Image: Daderot13)
(Image: James St. John.14)
9. Norfolk Island Pine
You will find them in coastal California growing to 100 feet at the rate of 2 feet a year.
10. Deodar Cedar
This tree grows at a medium rate of over two feet a season.
(Image: sarangib12)
11. Sugar Pine
The pine is known to grow slowly or moderately based on the conditions, but it typically surpasses the 2-feet mark.
12. Concolor Fir
Although it grows relatively slowly, the concolor reaches 2 feet annually and can grow to over 100 feet high.
(Image: Daron Kuzina17)
13. Corkbark Fir
This fir can reach over 100 feet at a rate of slightly more than 2 feet yearly.
14. Guatemalan Fir
This evergreen tree, originally from Central America, grows moderately like other firs.
(Image: Baryslau Shoot18)
(Image: Jasminka12)
15. Pinyon Pine
This US native tree belongs to the family of drought-resistant trees and can grow from slow to moderate, based on prevailing conditions.
Slow-Growing Christmas Trees
Below are the common Christmas trees with an average annual growth rate of 1 to 2 feet.
16. Serbian Spruce
Serbian Spruce,9 a stunning bluish-green tree, has a slow to medium growth rate, often rising a foot or two every year or reaching three feet when conditions are perfect.
(Image: F.D. Richards16)
(Image: falco12)
17. Noble Fir
The leaves of this fir extend to over 5 inches long, and the branches curve upwards.
The tree grows relatively slower, at 1-2 feet yearly.
18. Balsam Fir
Although it grows to only a foot a year, the Balsam Fir is a favorite thanks to its strong fragrance and ability to thrive in cooler climates.
(Image: sheilasseed15)
(Image: Murisgius15)
19. Douglas Fir
Coming in two varieties, the type on the northwestern coast and the one in the mountainous parts of the country, this tree grows a foot or two every year.
(Image: Mark Stebnicki18)
21. Fraser Fir
The fir can grow to 6-7 feet in seven to ten years, making it one of the slowest growers in the country.
22. Eastern Red Cedar
It usually grows in Oklahoma and Texas at a slow or medium rate, usually at 1-2 feet.
(Image: mesz15)
(Image: donpwilson15)
23. Virginia Pine
This pine is also a slow grower that reaches only 40 feet high, primarily found in Kentucky and Virginia.
24. Scotch Pine
With a deep taproot that helps it survive harsh conditions, the scotch pine grows to only a foot or two annually.
(Image: Cairomoon15)
25. White Fir
It grows to 40-50 feet but at a slow or moderate rate of 1-2 feet a year.
How Long Does It Take To Grow a Christmas Tree: How Long Does It Take for a Tree To Grow?
Trees usually take 20-40 years to mature, but several factors come to play. The same applies to Christmas trees that grow at a different rate based on the species and whether the conditions are favorable.
While the slowest growers increase by 1-2 feet annually, the fastest ones can grow past 4 feet within a year.
Below is a table showing the growth rate and average full height of the different Types of Christmas trees.
| Christmas Tree | Growth Rate (Annual) | Average Full Height |
| Leyland Cypress | 3-4 feet | 60-70 feet |
| Arizona Cypress | Up to 4 feet | 40-75 feet |
| Grand Fir | 3-4 feet | 140-200 feet |
| Monterey Pine | 3-6 feet | 50-100 feet |
| Jeffrey Pine | 3 feet | 80- 200 feet |
| Christmas Tree | Growth Rate (Annual) | Average Full Height |
| Norway Spruce | 2 feet | 40-60 feet |
| Eastern White Pine | 2 feet | 50-80 feet |
| Canaan Fir | 2-3 feet | 50-70 feet |
| Norfolk Island Pine | 2 feet | 80-200 feet |
| Deodar Cedar | 2 feet | 40-70 feet |
| Christmas Tree | Growth Rate (Annual) | Average Full Height |
| Sugar Pine | 2 feet | 130-200 feet |
| Concolor Fir | 2 feet | 30-50 feet |
| Corkbark Fir | 2 feet | 50-75 feet |
| Guatemalan Fir | 2 feet | 65-130 feet |
| Pinyon Pine Tree | 2 feet | 10-20 feet |
| Christmas Tree | Growth Rate (Annual) | Average Full Height |
| Serbian Spruce | 1-2 feet | 50-60 feet |
| Noble Fir | 1-2 feet | 50-100 feet |
| Balsam Fir | 1 foot | 66 feet |
| Douglas Fir | 1-2 feet | 250 feet |
| Colorado Blue Spruce | 1-2 feet | 50-75 feet |
| Christmas Tree | Growth Rate (Annual) | Average Full Height |
| Fraser Fir | 1-2 feet | 50-60 feet |
| Eastern Red Cedar | 1-2 feet | 50-70 feet |
| Virginia Pine | 1-2 feet | 20-40 feet |
| Scotch Pine | 1-2 feet | 60 feet |
| White Fir | 1-2 feet | 30-50 feet |
How To Choose Various Types of Christmas Trees
While it is paramount to consider how long does it take to grow a Christmas tree, you should also consider your region’s climate and hardiness zones which will determine which type is right for you.1
Below is an overview of the types of Christmas trees and their ideal conditions.
(Image: Yoksel Zok17)
Spruces
These Christmas trees can comfortably grow in zones 2-7. They have signature short, needle-like leaves and thick, sturdy branches to bear the weight of hanging ornaments.
Additionally, they love the cold, just like firs, and it take 7-10 years to harvest.
Pines
Pines are a suitable choice if you are looking for a non-demanding tree that grows in the cooler and warmer regions of the country. They adapt quickly to various conditions and soil types and can grow in zones 3 through 10 based on the variety.
(Image: Bence Lengyel18)
Pines are some of the fastest growers and are usually ready for harvesting in about six years.
(Image: Abdul Zreika18)
Cedars
Unlike firs, cedars prefer warm southern climates, preferably in zones 2-9, and are identifiable by their fern-like leaves despite being coniferous. They also grow faster than their cousins, with a four-year growing season.
The most famous cedar in the US is the Eastern Red, a low-maintenance Christmas tree with a natural pyramid crown.
Cypresses
Depending on the species, you can grow a Cypress tree in hardiness zones 5-10. They grow extremely fast, like the cedars, reaching harvesting in almost four years.
They are flexible to thrive in various soil types but love moist, well-draining conditions.
(Image: Aleksey Boev17)
Buyers love them for their multiple color shades, taking yellow-green, deep-green, and bluish-green hues, which helps them have a citrus-like fragrance.
How To Grow a Christmas Tree
You can grow your Christmas tree from a seed or seedling, each with its ups and downsides.
How To Grow a Seed
You can start from seeds if you want to grow the most robust breeds and are okay with the long wait until the seedling stage.
First, create a dormancy period to increase germination chances by storing them in your fridge for some weeks.
(Image: Tayphuong38815)
They will be ready for planting when tiny green shoots start appearing. You will need a potting mix and a container with drainage to grow your seedlings.
After planting, ensure that the pot stays under full sun and water the soil at least once weekly.
How To Grow a Seedling: Christmas Tree
If you want to simplify the process, you can buy a Christmas tree seedling from a trusted source, and the best option should have a 2-2 ratio (the tree stayed in bed and as a transplant for two years).
Next, find the perfect planting site, preferably sloping and under full sun, for better drainage and sunlight access.
Plant the seedling in a sizable hole, cover it with soil, and give a 7 feet space between each tree if planting a group.
After planting, proper care and maintenance ensure that your tree grows healthy and strong. Unless there is heavy downpour, your seedling needs weekly watering, especially in the first year.
You can also weed the planting site to eliminate competition for water and nutrients.
What Are the Benefits of Growing Christmas Trees?
Many believe that Christmas trees are only worth investing in for the holidays in December. The trees need year-long input,7 and you can enjoy several benefits besides the lucrative returns.
The fresh scent of various species makes having a plantation worthwhile. The citrus or spicy fragrance is calming, and it helps that trees purify the air through carbon sequestration.
They also hold the soil together and are home to various wildlife species.
(Image: Lisa Fotios18)
Another positive for the environment is that there is less need to harvest wild trees when they are often grown in farms that don’t support crop farming.
Additionally, trees store carbon emissions while they grow and they’re biodegradable, meaning you can convert them to mulch when you are ready to dispose of them.5
Tips for Keeping a Christmas Tree Fresh
When the holiday season approaches, one of the most common questions is how to keep a cut Christmas tree fresh. It starts with buying a newly-cut tree or personally cutting it to avoid purchasing it weeks later.
The first thing you do with the tree is to cut it and open up the pore to allow water uptake. A common myth is that you should drill holes in Christmas tree trunk, but the tree will take up more water if the cut is clean.
Saw off a half-inch from below, and the pores will unblock.
Next, fill the stand with water and check that the cut has entirely submerged. Trees can be thirsty for more water daily, sometimes up to a gallon.
Remember always to keep the tree wet and place it away from fireplaces.
Can You Keep a Christmas Tree Alive All Year?
The only way to keep a tree alive throughout the year is if its roots are intact and you have planted it in a pot, allowing all the physiological processes to continue.
Otherwise, a Christmas tree without roots will survive for only a few weeks.
The Myth About Artificial Trees
Some users are sure that artificial trees are better for the planet than actual trees since they are reusable and fire-resistant.
While you can recycle them for a few years, you will eventually dispose of them, increasing landfill emissions.
Secondly, artificial trees are created from petroleum (usually). The emissions issued by fake trees being manufactured contributes to the problem, while real trees work to reduce emissions by storing them during their years of growth.
How Many Christmas Trees Are Cut Down Each Year?
Millions worldwide celebrate Christmas yearly, and the demand for trees keeps rising. It is shocking how many Christmas trees are cut down each year and how December is when there is a greater environmental impact.8
The increased 6% rate in the month is due to more traveling and buying trees, food, and gifts, leading to more pollution. Roughly the US produces and cuts about 33-36 million trees annually, while users harvest 50-60 million trees in Europe.
6 Tips for Cutting and Preserving Your Own Christmas Tree
If you want to make Christmas tree hunting a tradition in your household or your planted trees are finally ready for harvesting, the following tricks will simplify the process.
1. Seek Permission if Cutting a Tree From a Forest
Many opt for old-fashioned trees in forested areas since they are in their purest form.
While most reserves allow harvesting, it is best to seek a permit first from the USDA office or Forestry Department near you.
You will need this authorization whenever you are in the forest, and remember to carry a map and don’t wander deep into the woods in undesignated areas.
2. Find the Right Tree
It is easy to ignore the tree’s measurements while focusing on its aesthetics, but it is essential to avoid buying a massive tree that doesn’t fit your space.
You can record the height and width of where the tree will go and counter check before you cut one down.
3. Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
To properly cut your own Christmas tree, start by clearing the area around the tree’s base and mark where you want to cut, ensuring that the spot is at least 6 inches high off the ground.
Properly align the saw horizontally and start slowly cutting at the mark, and although it may be tempting to push over the tree after chopping most of it, patiently saw until the tree falls off.
4. Watch Out for Wild Animals
Christmas trees in forests are favorite hideouts for critters and birds, and you do not want to bring them home.
You can shake the tree and carefully check that animals are not hiding in the branches and holes, and if you notice birds nests or squirrel drays, choose another tree! It wouldn’t be a very nice Christmas for the little animal buddies if they came home but their home was gone.
5. Transport Your Tree
Christmas trees are a safety hazard and need proper fastening; they may slide off your car and hurt you and others nearby.
Wearing safety glasses while positioning them will help protect your eyes, and using ropes and cords will reinforce them while you drive away.4
6. Care for Your Tree
Detaching the tree from its natural habitat can cause stress, evidenced by falling and discolored leaves.
Keeping it in water helps preserve it as it absorbs moisture.
How Many Christmas Tree Per Acre?
You have two questions when planning to start a Christmas tree farm: how long does it take to grow a Christmas tree, and how many Christmas tree per acre? An acre can accommodate around 1500 trees with careful and proper spacing.
However, this number varies based on several factors, including the tree species, land type, planting location, expected size of the tree at full maturity, and many more.
Generally, one tree can reach 7-7.5 feet high and up to 65 inches wide, with the base increasing with additional height.
There are five Christmas tree types to choose from during the holiday season. You can pick Spruces, Firs, Pines, Cedars, or Cypresses, each with a distinct look and unique features.
(Image: Any Lane18)
You can also have your plantation and grow your favorite trees.
While some are slow growers, attaining a foot or two every year, some are impressively fast, with 3-4 or more feet annually. If you want to reduce the time frame, you can start from a seedling instead of a seed which can take years to form a strong sapling.
How Long Does It Take for a Tree To Grow?
Most trees take 20-40 years to grow based on several factors, but the fastest growers take about ten years, while others take more than 50 years.
The time frame usually varies based on the species, the prevailing conditions, and the care and maintenance.
A tree will grow faster if you meet all its needs, providing water whenever the soil dries, adding fertilizers and nutrients, and planting it under the full or partial sun as it prefers.
Suitable climate and weather also work wonders for a tree’s growth rate, and it is best to study all its needs before planting.
If you are concerned about how long does it take to grow a Christmas tree, you will appreciate the fact that most achieve harvesting height in less than ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Does It Take To Grow a Christmas Tree
How Much Water Does Your Christmas Tree Need?
Trees can consume more than a gallon of water daily when placed indoors, and it is crucial to keep checking the levels and refilling when necessary.
How Long Will a Cut Christmas Tree Last?
A newly-cut tree can last 2-3 weeks indoors until the leaves start discoloring and dropping. It will last longer when well-watered and cared for, away from heat sources.
What Should You Know About Buying a Potted Living Tree?
To keep your potted tree safe from the elements, you can start it indoors for a few days before returning it outside to get used to the cold. You can also dig the hole days before planting and keep the refilling dirt indoors.
What Christmas Tree Grows the Fastest?
The Leyland Cypress is one of the fastest-growing Christmas trees in the world, able to reach 3-4 feet or more in one year. It can go 60-70 feet high, but it should be ready for harvesting at 7 feet tall.
How Many Lights for Christmas Trees?
The best standard to how many lights for Christmas trees to put should be based on how bright you like your Christmas tree; you need 100-200 lights per foot or a foot and a half.
Can You Replant a Christmas Tree?
For those wondering can you replant a Christmas tree, it is only possible to replant a cut Christmas tree if you uproot it with the root ball intact. The tree cannot grow from the cut stem, but the roots can absorb water after replanting.
Learn More About How Long Does It Take To Grow a Christmas Tree
How Many Christmas Trees Per Acre? Find The Real Number (Not Guess)
How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (So It Lasts Longer & Stays Green)
How Many Christmas Trees Are Cut Down Each Year? (New Stats)
18 Types of Christmas Trees to Stay Away From: Ranked Worst to Best
Can You Replant a Christmas Tree, and Should You? With vs Without Roots
10 Types of Cypress Trees in Every State: Pictures (Full Map & Chart)
How Many Lights for Christmas Tree? Tree Light Calculator: Find Exact Number
How Much to Cut Down a 50 Foot Pine Tree: 2022 Pine Tree Removal Costs
40 Types of Pine Trees (Pictures): Identification Guide (Chart)
Pinyon Pine Tree Guide: Nuts, Leaves, Seeds, Growing Zone (Easy Planting Tip)
How Many Trees Cut Down Each Year or in 2023? The Deforestation Crisis Explained
Cypress Tree Guide: 14 Species, Facts, Bald (Surprising Symbolism)
References
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2Chalmers, K. (2022, November 20). How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree? Outdoor Happens. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from <https://www.outdoorhappens.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-grow-a-christmas-tree/>
3Staake, J. (2020, September 28). 8 Types of Christmas Trees You Can Grow. Birds and Blooms. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from <https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/growing-trees-shrubs-grasses/8-types-of-christmas-trees/>
4Stauffers of Kissel Hill. (2019, November 21). How To Make a Christmas tree last. Stauffers of Kissel Hill. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from <https://www.skh.com/thedirt/how-to-make-a-christmas-tree-last/>
5Sweetser, R. (2022, December 8). The Benefits of Growing Christmas Trees. Almanac. Retrieved February 10 , 2023, from <https://www.almanac.com/how-do-christmas-trees-grow>
6Cregg, B. (2023). The Firs. Conifer Corner. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from <https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/535/78626/firs.pdf>
7Mercker, D., Hopper, G. M., Johnson, J. E., Johnson, L. A., & Pease, J. W. (2002). Christmas Trees. Agricultural Extension Service. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from <https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1463.pdf>
8Sidebottom, J. (2020). Environmental Impacts of Christmas Trees. NC State Extension. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from <https://christmastrees.ces.ncsu.edu/environmental-impacts/>
9University of Minnesota. (2023). Serbian Spruce- Picea Omorika. The UFOR Nursery & Lab. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from <https://trees.umn.edu/serbian-spruce-picea-omorika>
10Wikipedia. (2023, February 17). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree>
11Abies grandis Rogów 3 Photo by Crusier / CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED | Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported. Cropped, Resized, and Changed Format. Wikimedia Commons, Retrieved from <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abies_grandis_Rogów_3.JPG>
12Pine Tree Seedling by extremis, Leyland Cypress by leoleobobeo, Jeffrey Pine by usuario322, Norway Spruce by carrograhn87, Deodar Cedar by sarangib, Pinyon Pine Leaves by Jasminka, Noble Fir by falco. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>
13Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis – Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum Photo by Daderot / CC0 1.0 DEED | CC0 1.0 Universal. Cropped, Resized, and Changed Format. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abies_balsamea_var._phanerolepis_-_Stanley_M._Rowe_Arboretum_-_DSC03386.JPG>
14Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine trees) (Sanibel Island, Florida, USA) Photo by James St. John / CC BY 2.0 DEED | Attribution 2.0 Generic. Cropped, Resized, and Changed Format. Flickr. Retrieved from <https://flic.kr/p/CprCT2>
15Balsam Fir by sheilasseed, Douglas Fir by Murigius., Eastern Red Cedar by mesz, Virginia Pine by donpwilson, Scotch Pine by Cairomoon, Fir by LUM3N, Pine Seedling by Tayphuong388. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>
16Serbian Spruce, 1981 Photo by F.D. Richards / CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic. Cropped, Resized, and Changed Format. Flickr. Retrieved from <https://flic.kr/p/gp97ms>
17Arizona Cypress by Zaid Ajani, Corkbark Fir by Daron Kuzina, Spruce by Yoksel Zok, Cypress by Aleksey Boev. Unsplash. Retrieved from <https://unsplash.com/>
18Guatemalan Fir by Baryslau Shoot, Colorado Blue Spruce by Monica Oprea, Fraser Fir by Mark Stebnicki, Pine by Bence Lengyel, Cedar by Abdul Zreika, Harvested Christmas Trees by Lisa Fotios, A Christmas Tree Farm by Any Lane. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/>