Registration now open for MSU Christmas tree summer meeting

Bill Lindberg<lindbe35@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - July 28, 2025

See the latest MSU research in exotic fir tree species, practices that improve tree establishment, weed management strategies and more.

Rows of newly planted Christmas trees with mulch around each planting. — Photo 1. Adding mulch around trees can improve tree growth and survival by limiting weed growth, improving soil moisture and moderating soil temperature. Photo by Bill Lindberg, MSU Extension.

Michigan State University Extension is hosting the 2025 Summer Christmas Tree Meeting on Friday, Aug. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Michigan State University (MSU) W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest Station, 7060 N 42nd St, Augusta, MI 49012. There is no cost to attend this training, however registration is required.

Attendees will join the MSU Extension Christmas tree team for a field day event focusing on practices that can improve transplant growth and survivability (Photo 1). Specific topics will include weed control options (Photo 2), soil nutrition management (Photo 3), tree planting tips and a 2023 tree field planting of numerous exotic fir species.

Grass growing around a newly planted Christmas tree. — Photo 2. Using post-emergent herbicide to control grass in new Christmas tree planting. Photo by Bill Lindberg, MSU Extension.

A person pours soil from a white bucket into a clear Ziplock bag. — Photo 3. Soil testing is the first step in soil fertility management in new Christmas tree plantings. Photo by Erin Lizotte, MSU Extension.

One restricted use pesticide (RUP) credit for Michigan Private and Commercial Core licenses will be available (categories approved: private and commercial core, 2, 3b).

Agenda

1:00 p.m. Welcome and Introductions

1:00-1:15 p.m. History and Current Function of Kellogg Forest Station, KJ Kettler, Manager and Forester, W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest

1:15-1:45 p.m. CoFirGe 2, Improved exotic tree selection program, Bert Cregg, PhD, MSU

1:45-2:00 p.m. Nutrient management at time of planting, Bill Lindberg, MSU Extension

2:00-2:30 p.m. Weed ID, life cycle, and control options, Debalina Saha, PhD, MSU

2:30-2:45 p.m. Snack/bathroom break

2:45-3:15 p.m. Seedling establishment trial results, Bert Cregg, PhD, MSU

3:15-3:45 p.m. Herbicides, how they work and preventing resistance, Debalina Saha, PhD

3:45-4:00 p.m. Post-meeting survey

4:00 p.m. Adjourn

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).