"Basics of Growing Christmas Trees" by Donald B. Hilliker Jr.
Don Hilliker, a nurseryman as well as a pine, spruce and fir-tree grower since 1947, has revised and expanded his book with more than 200 pages of basic information to help a tree grower get started anywhere in the country. Questions asked by customers buying Christmas tree planting stock prompted the writing of this bound book. Tree varieties, planting and planting sites, soils, fertilization, herbicides and other cultural procedures are discussed and illustrated. Discussions are presented for growing trees in the more temperate areas of the country also. Three phases of marketing are presented. Tax considerations, record keeping and many other business aspects will be very helpful for the beginner. Photos and illustrations are used.
"Addendum to Basics of Growing Christmas Trees" by Donald B. Hilliker Jr. and Joan M. Hilliker
This "addendum" continues where "Basics" leaves off. Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, Sand pine and others are discussed. More detail about Scotch pine, Concolor and Douglas fir on charts listing characteristics by seed source. Balsam, Fraser and Canaan firs are documented and photographed. A major segment is devoted to pesticides, toxicity and environmental concerns. Weather, use of herbicides and plant hardiness are discussed. The new zone hardiness maps are included. The concept of Integrated Pest Management, products available and sources of beneficial organisms (plus use of horticultural oil) are essential for today's ecology-minded tree grower. The new Grade Standards are given in the section on Shearing and Shaping. Other chapters include successful marketing concepts and ideas; tree-sale contracts, partnership arrangements and presentation of other business considerations. More than 80 pages of "where to find it" and "how to find them" makes this a "must have" source book!
"Growing Conifer Seedlings, Transplants & Trees in an Outdoor Nursery" - Book One
A nursery "primer" that begins with site, soil, water requirements and continues with detailed procedures for successful production of your own seedlings. Sources and treatment of seed, sowing, care of beds, lifting and grading are discussed. Transplanting (lining-out and potting) plus digging and care of larger trees are discussed for those who want to engage in the landscape tree business. Suggestions about basic weed control and pesticide use will be very helpful. Forms for your use are provided for your record-keeping and reference purposes. Listings include seed suppliers and sources for materials. Two packets or quality seed of species suitable to your region are provided.
"Growing Conifer Seedlings, Transplants and Trees in and Outdoor Nursery" - Book Two
An introduction to commercial production of bare-root conifers. This book is directed to the grower who wants to go beyond the hobby stage and become a nurseryman. Soil fumigation, soil solarization, inoculation and fertility are presented in detail, as is the basic layout of the nursery. Seed suppliers, zones/countries, seed treatment, handling and storage are discussed as well as growing and quality monitoring. Seedlings, herbicides, IPM, and other plant health subjects are covered. Handling, use, care and storage of chemicals with supplier listing supplements the section on new Worker Protection Standards. This volume deals with animal pest control in field and nursery including sources of repellents, traps and fencing. Equipment, chemicals and general supplier listings make this source book a "must" for anyone growing seedlings for profit. Many other helpful references are provided as well.
