The Iowa Christmas Tree Association is organized to help its members grow and market Christmas Trees.
Growing Christmas Trees is a business. It takes 6 to 12 years to grow a saleable tree. Valuable time is wasted when one tries to learn from one's own experience. New technology and customer preference make it imperative that growers keep up to date. The best way is to learn from other growers.
Because of these realities, the Iowa Christmas Tree (Growers) Association was formed in 1963 so that growers could help each other. Presently, there are 190 member families and associate members. Their experience ranges from years in the business and annual sales of thousands of trees, to those who have yet to plant their first tree. The experienced growers represent a wealth of information eagerly shared with new growers.
Over 100 of our member families are selling trees. A typical operation is 3 to 8 acres in size. Most sell trees by choose-and-harvest method, where a customer comes to the plantation to select and cut their own tree. Although a demand for wholesale trees exists, most growers prefer retail.
ICTA Meetings
ICTA holds its annual meeting during a summer field day at a member's plantation. We hear talks on timely topics and hold workshops on subjects of interest to all growers. The meeting also provides a chance to observe insects and disease problems, plantation layout, retailing methods, tree shearing and more.
At the meeting, a number of exhibitors are on hand to show and sell items that are needed in the business. Items such as tools, power equipment, nursery stock, chemicals and so forth.
Members receive quarterly Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journals and timely information updates and newsletters.
If you would like to become a member of the Iowa Christmas Tree Association, click below for a print-and-mail membership application.