How Long Does it Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?

Those who celebrate Christmas know that the holidays would not be complete without a tall, wiry conifer adorned with lights and decorations.

Looking for the fastest growing Christmas tree, we’ve got you covered.

How Long Does it Take to Grow a Christmas Tree? How fast your Christmas tree will grow depends on the stage at which you buy it. 

Christmas trees have different stages of growth; the seed stage (which is slow), then a growth spurt (sapling), and then the growth rate slows again once it reaches mature height. 

How Fast Does a Christmas Tree Grow? 

Trees do not grow continuously throughout their lives. 

So when we think about how fast a Christmas tree grows, we need to look at the different life stages. 

The first stage is when the tree germinates from seed and becomes a seedling. This is a long, slow process and it can take up to 4 years before a tree is just 30 cm tall.

Now you will understand why many Christmas tree growers prefer to buy seedlings rather than grow trees from seed. 

In the second phase, the tree grows faster. experience a major growth spurt.

This means that under the right conditions, a Christmas tree can grow up to 4 feet tall in a year. 

As a tree approaches its mature height, the growth rate begins to slow 

Most varieties commonly used for Christmas trees are tall trees, so they will grow rapidly for several years if left unchecked.

How Long Does it Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?

It takes 5 to 12 years for a Christmas tree to reach a height of 5 to 7 feet. 

The growth rate of each tree depends on the tree species, soil conditions, and growing practices. 

You can grow your own Christmas trees by purchasing an evergreen seedling from a nursery and planting it in your garden or garden plot. 

It will take several years of patience to wait for your Christmas tree to grow from a seedling to the right height.

What is the Fastest Growing Christmas Tree? 

Cypress and cedar are typically the fastest growing Christmas trees. 

Specifically Leyland Cypress and Eastern Red Cedar. Both strains can grow from a seedling to a height of 5 to 7 feet in 5 years with careful cultivation. These species are best suited to warm regions.

The fastest growing Christmas trees for colder regions are pines such as white pine, Virginia pine, and Scotch pine. They will reach mature size in 6 years. 

Scotch Pine

Scotch pine has a deep taproot, which allows it to thrive in drought-prone areas. 

However, it needs regular pruning as it does not usually grow into a natural cone shape. 

The best thing about the Scotch pine is that it hangs on its needles for a long time even without water. 

It grows at the rate of 12 to 24 inches per year.

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Leyland Cypress

This sapless tree is commonly grown in the southern United States. 

The Leyland cypress is a fast-growing Christmas tree variety with young trees shooting up  3 to 4 feet per year in the right conditions. 

It grows at a rate of 24 inches per year

Douglas Fir

Douglas fir prefers a milder climate than the balsam fir and is popular in the Northwestern United States. 

Douglas fir is a popular choice for Christmas tree buyers because of its deep bluish-green color and dense needles.

It also has that classic Christmas tree scent that we all love! 

It grows at a rate of 13 to 24 inches per year

Balsam Fir

This tree is most commonly grown in areas with colder winters and cool summers.

One of the easiest Christmas trees to grow, the balsam fir requires little maintenance to keep it looking perfect. 

Growth Rate – Slow; 12 inches per year

How Long Does it Take to Grow a Six-Foot Christmas Tree? 

People who live in smaller homes often opt for a 6-foot Christmas tree. 

This is one of the most popular sizes of Christmas trees as it easily fits in an average family home. 

Fast-growing varieties can reach 6 feet in as little as four years after planting. 

Slower-growing trees take longer but tend to have a full, dense shape. 

Families in larger homes may choose to purchase a larger tree, with 7-foot trees being one of the second most popular sizes. 

These taller trees are also often the holiday tree of choice for businesses like restaurants and grocery stores. 

A 7-foot tall Christmas tree takes 8-12 years to grow from a sapling.

If you are growing from seed, expect to extend this period by at least 3 years.

When Should You Plant a Christmas Tree? 

No matter what kind of seedling you choose for your Christmas tree, plant it in early spring. 

In regions with cold winters, plant shortly after March or April.

In regions where deep frosts are rare, plant in February or March. 

Planting in late spring can be successful if the tree is provided with adequate water. 

Water newly planted trees with a drip hose once a week for 2 to 3 hours to prevent drying out. 

Christmas trees thrive in humid conditions, and newly planted trees need adequate water for new roots to develop. 

Early spring encourages rapid growth, but make sure the tree gets adequate water. 

Thoroughly soak the soil at the base of the tree with a water hose once a week. This can take 2-3 hours. Continue this for the first 2 months after planting to establish the tree. 

If you’ve planted your Christmas tree later in the spring, monitor the tree closely for dry needles and increase watering.

How Do You Make a Christmas Tree Grow Faster? 

Christmas trees usually do not benefit from fertilizers or extensive cultivation. 

Your prospective Christmas tree will grow best when planted in moist, but not swampy, sandy soil. 

After a seedling is planted, it can go through a period of shock and needle drop. If watered regularly, it will recover.

Growth can be very slow in the first year as the tree seedling develops roots, but in subsequent years it will begin to grow taller. 

Plant seedlings in moist, sandy soil for best results.

Christmas trees do not require fertilizer. 

Fertilizing a stressed seedling can kill it. 

Expect slow growth for the first year after planting as the tree takes root. 

Prune your Christmas tree to establish a leader early on and encourage it to grow the ideal Christmas tree. 

To create the perfect tree for your home this Christmas, take care of your growing tree.

Christmas trees only need a “guide”, which is the vertical branch where you place a tree top. 

If your tree starts to develop more than one main shoot, cut back all but one. 

It takes patience, but over time your tree will grow to a typical  Christmas tree height.

How Much is the Stow and Grow Christmas Tree?

A faux Christmas tree that you can assemble without straining your back or dragging yourself across the floor would be a great product for people who have difficulty assembling or carrying a tree. 

It’s also very convenient.

The Grow & Stow Christmas Tree is a smart self-erecting tree with lights. 

All you have to do is set up the tree stand in your home and connect it. 

Once lit, watch as 700 dual-color LED lights to electrify the room and the branches slowly begin to stretch.

The tree will continue to expand until it reaches its maximum height, which can be set at two or three meters. 

After that, you don’t need any more features, but you still get them. 

The tree lights can be turned into rainbow colors for a playful, happy look, or kept simple for a more sophisticated atmosphere. 

You can also program the lights to fade or change color.

Check out this stow and grow Christmas trees:

Lookvv Grow and Stow Christmas Trees-5/6/7/7.5/8ft Artificial Christmas Tree – 7ft: $43 on Amazon.

The Evergreen Classics 9-Foot Grow and Stow Pre-Lit Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

The Evergreen Classics 9-Foot Grow and Stow Pre-Lit Fir artificial Christmas tree is quick and easy to adjust in height. 

The innovative tree design allows you to change the height of the tree from 7ft to 9ft or anywhere in between with the push of a button. 

Simply take the tree out of the box with the included metal stand with wheels, press the button, and watch your tree come to life. 

This lush and elegant tree also features the Simple Shape feature, which allows the tips to snap into place instantly for a stunning, realistic look.

700 color-changing LED lights to add a little seasonal magic to your space with eight different lights to choose from

It is about $470. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you are growing a Christmas tree in your backyard or planning to start a Christmas tree farm, consider what species are native to your area. 

In general, trees that are adapted to their local environment will perform better.

Keep in mind that many types of Christmas trees grow very tall, so you will see significant growth for a few years.