Three Oaks Trees  ·  Sustainable Growing

What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management is a sustainable approach to controlling pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks — for the trees, the land, and the wildlife that call this farm home.

50%
reduction in fertilizer input through soil and foliage sampling, keeping nitrogen and phosphorus out of the environment
40%
reduction in insecticide use through targeted insect scouting and understanding pest biology
5×
insecticide applications over an entire 8-year tree life, far less than most people expect
The Approach

Fewer inputs, better trees

By adopting IPM practices, a Christmas tree grower can use fewer pesticides and fertilizers, improve tree quality and growth, protect beneficial organisms, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect soil and water resources. IPM has influenced every aspect of our tree production, from the way we scout insects to the way we manage the ground between our trees.

Soil & Water

Protecting the mountain landscape

The protection of soil and water quality on the steep slopes of the North Carolina mountains is very important to us. We helped develop and continue to use a ground cover management practice that maintains cover year-round, accomplished with very little herbicide use. A constant layer of low-growing native mountain wildflowers affects all aspects of tree production: improving fertilizer uptake, protecting nutrient-rich topsoil from erosion, and creating rich habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife alike.

Wildlife

Our farm is home to

White-tailed deer Wild turkeys Ruffed grouse Bobwhite quail Black bear Rabbits Squirrels Songbirds Honeybees
2004 NCCTA Environmental Stewardship Award Recognized by the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association for our commitment to sustainable, environmentally responsible growing practices.