Raising Christmas trees starts with replanting the fields harvested the previous year. Each tree is basal pruned to provide a base on the tree that can be put in a tree stand. The following years each tree is hand sheared with a knife to provide a conical shape to the tree. Douglas Fir grow fast and can be harvested between 5 to 7 years from planting, dependant on size requirements. Noble Firs and Grand Firs grow slower generally taking about 8 to 9 years to mature.