How does cutting a Christmas tree benefit the forest and forest resources?
When trees are crowded too close together, they compete against each other for water and nutrients in the soil. If we thin out overcrowded trees, the remaining trees can grow and reach their full potential. Limited rainfall, porous soils, and rugged topography in many parts of the Southwest Region are suitable for savannah type vegetation. This means that only 1 to 2 dozen trees should be growing on each acre of forest land. Fire suppression in the last century has changed the ability of naturally occurring fires to burn off excess forest growth. In many places we have 400 to 600 stems (trees) growing per acre. This overcrowding causes problems. Thinning out overgrown meadows benefits wildlife habitat, because juniper and pine trees are mildly toxic when eaten by deer and elk. Juniper and pine trees also produce toxins that kill the grass growing beneath them. Removing excess juniper trees provides more room for grass and deciduous shrubs to grow, thus providing valuable, healthy forag
