Almost two decades ago, several members of the Maine Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) decided that in order for them to be competitive into the next century, that they had to initiate a strand of "superior" Balsam Fir from which seed could be collected and distributed to members for their growing needs.

After much planning and work, MCTA has two seed plantations located at different sites in Maine. Two large seed harvests have been completed to date. Seed from each parent tree is being grown and out-planted for further study to eventually identify the true "superior" Balsam Fir.

These two crops of "better than average" seed are being grown and distributed by Western Maine Nurseries as the organizations contract grower. We expect that within 5-7 years these superior trees will be available from Maine growers only. Hopefully these trees will give Maine growers the competitive edge they need to be successful.