Starting a tree farm can be a profitable venture, especially if you already own some land. The American Christmas Tree Association reported that the average price for a tree was $74 in 2017, and the average farm had about 200 trees. That’s a potential income of $14,800! But it’s not just about Christmas trees. You can also grow other types of trees, like fruit trees or lumber trees.
Getting Started
First things first, you need land. If you already own some, great! Just set aside a portion for your tree farm. If not, consider buying a piece of property that’s already wooded. This way, you can sell the existing lumber to kickstart your business. Just make sure the land has a slight slope so water doesn’t just run off.
Patience is Key
Remember, tree farming isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Most trees take about eight years to grow big enough to sell. So, patience is key.
Starting a Nursery
If you’re in an urban setting, starting a nursery could be a good option. You’ll grow young trees until they’re ready to sell or transplant. This usually takes a few years, but it can be quite profitable. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the green space in your city, which is always a good thing.
Choosing Your Trees
The type of trees you choose to grow will depend on where you live and what’s in demand. If you’re in a colder climate, Christmas trees might be a good option. If you’re in a warmer area, fruit trees could be more profitable. And if you’re near a city, consider growing trees for landscaping.
Caring for Your Trees
Regardless of the type of trees you choose, you’ll need to know how to care for them. This includes watering, fertilizing, and pruning. You’ll also need to stake them for the first year so they don’t blow over.
Choosing Your Market
Once your trees are ready to sell, you’ll need to find a market. If there’s a farmer’s market nearby, that could be a good option. Or, you could sell to local builders if you’re growing lumber trees. And if you’re growing landscaping trees, consider selling to greenhouses and nurseries.
Getting the Right Equipment
Just like any other business, you’ll need the right tools to be successful. This includes shovels, spades, pruning tools, rakes, hoes, watering tools, wheelbarrows, and possibly even power equipment like chainsaws and tractors. You’ll also need personal safety equipment like gloves and safety glasses.
Finding a Good Tractor
A good tractor can be a big help when it comes to tilling and plowing the soil. If you’re just starting out, consider renting one to save on costs.
Investing in a Tree Auger
A tree auger is a tool that makes holes for planting trees. Make sure to find one that’s specifically designed for this purpose. It should leave enough room for backfilling after you’ve planted the tree.
Getting Certified
There are several certifications you can get and groups you can join. The American Tree Farm System, for example, has a five-step process for certification. And the government offers incentives for tree farmers who want to grow certain types of trees.
Marketing Your Tree Farm
Finally, you’ll need to market your tree farm. This could include developing a strong brand identity, encouraging customer reviews, offering seasonal promotions, networking with environmental organizations, utilizing visual content marketing, leveraging social media marketing, creating a user-friendly website, and participating in local farmers’ markets and events.
