From infancy (seed) to adolescence (sapling), a Christmas tree may take about 4 years to grow 1 ft. However, Christmas trees usually enter a growth spurt phase from the sapling stage and can gain 4 ft. in a year. That is 5 ft. in four years, and according to Christmas tree growers, this is for fast-growing Christmas trees. For Christmas trees to achieve a height of 7 ft., it may require at least 8 years from the sapling stage. If you’re getting the Christmas tree from the tree seedling stage, we should talk about at least 11-12 years. For slow-growing varieties, this can take longer. So you see, the growth rate heavily depends on the type of Christmas tree we are talking about.
Comparison Table of Christmas Tree Growth Rate
| Type of Christmas Tree | Annual Growth Rate | Maxium Height at Full Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cypress | 1-2 ft. | 50 ft. |
| Leyland Cypress | 2 ft. | 70 ft. |
| Douglas Fir | 1-2 ft. | 70 ft. |
| Balsam Fir | Less than 1 ft. | 75 ft. |
| Fraser Fir | 1 ft. | 70 ft. |
| Virginia Pine | 1-2 ft. | 40 ft. |
| Eastern White Pine | 2+ ft. | 80 ft. |
| Scotch Pine | 1-2 ft. | 60 ft. |
| Norway Spruce | 1-2+ ft. | 60 ft. |
The Christmas tree growth rate depends on the growth stage you’re buying the tree from or the type of Christmas tree you’re buying. Usually, the fast-growing Christmas trees are more commonly used for Christmas decorations during the holiday season. More so, they’re purchased from Christmas tree farms as young saplings. Still, it requires patience because Christmas trees don’t grow to their desired height overnight. That’s why a Christmas tree farmer sees a Christmas tree business as a long-term investment.
Since there’s no uniformity to the growth of Christmas trees, let’s look at some of them individually to grasp the general growth rate of Christmas trees.
Cypress Trees
Arizona Cypress
Arizona Cypress is native to Northern Mexico and Southwestern U.S. We consider it the perfect Christmas tree for warm regions because it’s very tolerant to warm climates. Its resilience also enables it to thrive in areas where drought is prevalent. The Arizona Cypress will reach a maximum height of 50 feet throughout its entire lifespan.
This Christmas tree has a growth rate that ranges from 1 to 2 feet annually. Its growth rate is categorized as medium.
Leyland Cypress
This Cypress tree specie is very popular in the U.S. It’s one of the fastest-growing Christmas trees and is known for its slender shape. Leyland Cypress is a highly resilient Christmas tree because it can thrive in various soil conditions. It also thrives well in both temperate and tropical regions.
The maximum height this tree can achieve during its lifespan is 70 feet. However, that’s not our focal point here. The Leyland Cypress has a growth rate of 2 feet yearly. Its growth rate is categorized as fast.
FIR Trees
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is one of the well-known fir trees that spring to mind when people want to grow Christmas trees. Aside from its visual appeal, this is one of those evergreen species that grow satisfactorily. This Christmas tree has a bias for neutral or acidic soils and doesn’t thrive in areas where water is scarce. The Douglas Fir thrives in warm regions.
During its entire lifespan, the Douglas Fir can attain a maximum height of 70 feet. However, its growth rate is pegged between 1-2 feet yearly, depending on the soil and climatic conditions. Its growth rate is categorized as medium.
Balsam Fir
The Balsam Fir is incredibly popular. However, it’s a winter plant, so you’ll most likely see the Balsam Fir in cold regions such as Canada and Northern U.S. Its evergreen foliage makes it the perfect tree for landscaping or making wreaths. The tree also has a spicy fragrance. The Balsam Fir can reach a maximum height of 75 feet during its entire lifecycle. Its growth rate comes to just under 1 foot yearly. Its growth rate is categorized as slow.
Fraser Fir
This Fir tree is common in Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. You’ll most likely see a Christmas tree farm of Fraser Firs in these places. Unlike many trees, it’s low-maintenance because it doesn’t require much pruning to retain its pyramid shape. It’s an average tree in terms of growth rate. However, the Fraser Fir doesn’t grow beyond 50 feet in full maturity. This Christmas tree has a growth rate of 1 foot yearly. This is a medium growth rate.
Pine Trees
Virginia Pine
The Virginia Pine is loved for its pyramid shape, which stands it out from the average Christmas tree. This Christmas tree is commonly found in the U.S, precisely in states such as Alabama. It’s found in the wild as well as on a Christmas tree farm. This Christmas tree reaches a maximum height of 40 feet in full maturity. Its growth rate falls between 1 to 2 feet every year. Its growth rate is categorized as medium.
Eastern White Pine
The White Pine is a favorite Christmas tree for many because it’s easy to transplant from the Christmas tree farm to your outdoor space. Its resilience ensures it can thrive and grow strong in various soil conditions. Like the Virginia Pine, it takes the shape of a pyramid as it grows.
Alternatively, it can have an oval shape. This Christmas tree grows into either shape, depending on how it’s pruned. The White Pine can reach a maximum height of 80 feet at full maturity. This Christmas tree grows at a rate of more than 2 feet annually. Its growth rate is categorized as very fast. We highly recommend this if you want to cut your own Christmas tree.
Scotch Pine
The Scotch Pine, or Scots Pine, has the inherent resilience that’s common with pine tree species. It can thrive in virtually every climatic condition. Aside from its growth rate, the tree offers incredible retention ability, which is second to none. This Christmas tree can reach a maximum height of 60 feet in full maturity.
The Scotch Pine has a growth rate that ranges between 1 and 2 feet yearly. This is categorized as a medium growth rate.
Spruces
Norway Spruce
This is the fastest-growing spruce tree, so it’s a good pick for those who want to own Christmas trees. This Christmas tree is a good windbreaker because of its resilience and strong structure. It has a considerable level of tolerance to drought and can thrive in different soil conditions. However, our focal point is its growth rate.
The Norway Spruce can grow to a maximum height of 60 feet throughout its entire lifespan. It grows at a rate that ranges from 1 to 2+ feet annually. This puts its growth rate in the category of medium or fast, depending on the exact number of inches or feet it gains in a particular year.
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