WSDA Blog

Washington is one of the leading producers of Christmas trees in the United States, with its trees not only serving the U.S. market but also being exported as far as Mexico, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Hawaii, and beyond. Before these trees can leave to other countries and certain states, they must undergo inspection by the Plant Services Program at Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

Each year, WSDA inspectors visit Christmas tree farms across the state to check for pests. This is especially important when shipping to places like Hawaii, where the ecosystem is largely free from many pests common on the mainland. Even the smallest introduction of a pest could disrupt the delicate balance of the islands' environment. For this reason, rigorous inspections and treatments are essential to prevent the spread of unwanted species like gypsy moth, slugs, or wasps. 

A day in the life of a Christmas tree inspector

Sue Welch, a seasoned WSDA Plant Services inspector with over a decade of experience, gives us a glimpse into what it takes to make sure Christmas trees are ready for export. Her job begins well before the trees are even packed up for shipment. For exports to places like Mexico or Hawaii, tree inspection begins months in advance with a pre-treatment process. About three to six weeks before the trees are scheduled to be shipped, Welch monitors the application of insecticides that are specifically chosen to prevent pests.

“You’re targeting any hibernating yellow jackets or wasps, looking for evidence of beetles and other insects — no slugs, no snails,” she explains.  

Once the trees are prepared, Welch heads out to the farms and observes the shaking and loading process. Shaking is a critical part of the inspection, performed by a specialized machine. It’s designed to shake loose any dead needles, dirt, or debris that may be clinging to the trees. For Hawaii, the trees must be shaken for at least 15 seconds, but often the process takes longer to ensure all potential contaminants are removed.

While it’s impossible to catch every single pest, Welch and her colleagues rely on routine checks, thorough inspection of the shake piles, and their training to spot any visible signs of pests or contamination. It’s a combination of best practices and attention to detail that ensures the trees meet the required standards before they’re shipped.

The role of the growers

For Christmas tree farmers, the process of growing a tree is a long-term investment. It typically takes 8 to 10 years for a tree to reach maturity, which means that growers are investing in the future long before they see any return on their efforts. During that time, farmers are constantly working to nurture their crops — trimming, shaping, and tending to them to ensure they grow into healthy, beautiful trees.

Greg Hunter, a Christmas tree grower in Mossyrock WA, explains, “It’s a cyclical business. Right now, we’re seeing a strong market for trees. Everyone has their own niche, and for us, we've built markets in both Mexico and Hawaii.”

For newcomers to the industry, breaking in can be challenging. Starting a tree farm requires significant upfront investment, whether it's in land, equipment, or other resources, and often demands the support of a bank willing to lend.

Hunter grows Douglas and Noble Fir trees, shipping around 40,000 trees each year. For him, it’s a year-round commitment. To ensure they grow straight and strong, he places tape on the tops of each tree to guide the central leader. This helps shape the trees for the next season’s harvest, making sure they are healthy and well-formed.

The importance of WSDA's inspections

The work of WSDA’s inspectors is crucial in maintaining the health and safety of both the Christmas tree industry and the ecosystems that the trees are shipped to. Inspectors like Welch help ensure that Washington-grown trees are free of pests, diseases, and contaminants, preventing the spread of harmful species to new environments. Their careful work helps preserve the integrity of the industry, and it also supports a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

So, the next time you choose a Christmas tree — remember the dedication and effort that goes into making sure it's pest-free, healthy, and ready to join your holiday celebrations.