There is only one criterion for Jan (7), who has chosen a new Christmas tree with his family: “It should be as big as possible.” This is no problem at the farm of Philip Ogg (43) and his partner Michaela Péquignot (46) in Watt ZH. 28,000 fir trees of all shapes and sizes await their grand appearance in the home living room.
What about the trees after the long, dry summer? Farmer Ogg uses fir trees to show Blick what to watch out for other than size.
1.5 million Christmas trees per year
At least when it comes to dryness, the professional makes everything clear. Only very young trees planted in the spring were damaged by the hot and dry summer. “Larger trees have main roots that go deep into the ground and take water from there,” Ogg says. So that this year’s trees did not have to suffer, they are in excellent health and do not drop their needles immediately.
Switzerland puts around 1.5 million festively decorated Christmas trees in their living rooms each year, according to IG Suisse Christbaum. About half of this comes from domestic production and the trend is increasing. “Every year we produce more trees in Switzerland and they are being bought,” says Philipp Gut (61), President of IG Suisse Christbaum Blick.
As a result, home grown Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular. Unfortunately, production in Switzerland is far from meeting demand. For this reason, approximately 750,000 trees are imported every year. Mainly from Denmark and other Scandinavian countries. Some of these imports end up as cheap goods at discounters or private markets in the country.
Nordmann fir is a clear trick
And what does the perfect Christmas tree look like? According to Philip Ogg this does not exist. «It should be cut as fresh as possible, then it will last the longest and lose less needles. Everything else is a matter of taste.”
And what does he think about sharpening the tree? “I myself am not a fan of it. We leave as much bark on the tree as possible,” says Ogg. Each cut represents an injury to the tree.
Still, there are clear favourites. By far the most popular type of Christmas tree is the Nordmann fir, according to the IG Suisse Christmas tree. About 65 percent of all Christmas trees sold in Switzerland belong to this genus. Nordmann fir is very robust, loses a few needles and looks bushy and beautiful. However, this also makes them expensive. Rolls-Royce among Christmas trees cost between 60 and 80 francs for a size of 150 to 200 centimeters.
Nordmann fir is also the best selling tree at Bauer Ogg. The most popular height: 180 centimeters. Cost price: 75 francs.
Red and blue firs, which are only half as expensive on average, are less popular despite the lower price. They lose their stings quicker, and in the case of blue firs, they are more likely to sting if you touch them.
Local trees last longer
On average, a Nordmann fir can easily last three weeks once cut, according to Ogg. This gives native trees a certain advantage. Because trees from Scandinavia need to be pruned until the end of October in order to reach the Advent season. And picking the tree in situ is a popular alternative. “It’s a nice experience to cut the Christmas tree by yourself with your family,” Philip Ogg tells Blick.