Rutgers Researchers Push Bonsai as Revenue Source for NJ Christmas Tree Growers

Researchers at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences want Christmas tree farmers in New Jersey to try bonsai production. They see it as a way to make money. The state has more than 5,000 acres set aside for Christmas trees, but that market is shrinking because of money problems.

New Jersey sits between New York City and Philadelphia. This creates pressure. Farmland gets turned into housing developments. Bonsai production could help tree farmers stay afloat without selling their land.

Bonsai starter trees can sell for $50. Mature specimens? They bring in over $1,000. The products offer year-round income compared to the seasonal Christmas tree business, which only generates money during the holidays. Growers have land and equipment in place, cutting down on startup costs.

The Specialty Crop Research Center in Cream Ridge studies conifers to help nurserymen and Christmas tree growers come up with better strategies. Dennis McNamara, an agriculture program associate at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County, wrote about the bonsai opportunity in a column.

Bonsai trees are not genetically dwarfed plants. They are regular trees that have been pruned and shaped to look like full-sized trees in miniature. That's the trick.

McNamara pointed out that Christmas tree species like pine and spruce work well for beginner bonsai. Farmers would need to pick up new skills and marketing strategies to succeed in the bonsai business.

The Deep Cut Bonsai Society in Monmouth County could serve as a partner for growers entering the market. The club holds demonstrations. It hosts guest professionals from around the world for workshops throughout the year.

Growers could connect with local bonsai enthusiasts through such partnerships. They could offer specialized supplies like bonsai soil, pots, wire, and tools not carried by large retail stores.

Brian Cairns, a retired airline pilot and Master Gardener volunteer at Cream Ridge, has taken on a Korean fir for study. He became interested in the conifer research project at the farm.

The conifer study at Cream Ridge includes non-native species from western North America, Asia, and Europe. Researchers are looking at growth traits along with disease and pest resistance.

Information about the Deep Cut Bonsai Society is available at deepcutbonsaiclub.org.