{"id":5199,"date":"2010-10-26T13:26:15","date_gmt":"2010-10-26T17:26:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/"},"modified":"2024-05-24T09:51:10","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T13:51:10","slug":"7011e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/","title":{"rendered":"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Originally developed by Mark Cercone, Special Project Assistant, and William D. Lilley, Forestry Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Reviewed and with new information by David Fuller, Agriculture and Non-Timber Forest Products Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.<br><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<br>Find more of our publications and books at <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/\">extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#intro\">Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#harvesting\">The Tip Harvesting Season<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#info\">Tip Harvesting Information<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TR_-pCzYamE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">VIDEO: Maine Balsam Fir Tips: A Sustainable Harvest (YouTube)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#identify\">Identifying Balsam Fir<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#quality\">Tip Quality<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tree\">Harvesting Tips From a Tree<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#stacking\">Stacking the Tips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#selling\">Selling the Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-6447\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"221\" height=\"166\" src=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6447\" style=\"width:370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg 221w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2-105x79.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,221px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by Dave Fuller<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In Maine, millions of wreaths are made each year. These wreaths are usually made from balsam fir tips. Balsam fir is used because it is plentiful in Maine and also an easy material to make wreaths with. The demand for balsam fir wreaths has risen throughout the years, which has resulted in an increased demand for balsam fir tips. In fact, some wreath producers purchase tips from other locations, including Canada, because of a shortage of tip harvesters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The end portion of a balsam fir branch is called a &#8220;tip.&#8221; Tip lengths range from 12 to 20 inches. This tip may be broken into two or three pieces. These pieces are placed together to form a tip bunch and wired onto a ring to make a wreath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a id=\"harvesting\"><\/a>The Tip Harvesting Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tips can be harvested only during late fall, after needles are &#8220;set.&#8221; At this time, the balsam fir tree stops growing and stays dormant until spring. Balsam fir tips would lose their needles in a very short time if harvested before this stage. So, it&#8217;s very important for the tip harvester to know when this change has occurred. Some tip harvesters have ruined many stacks of tips because they unknowingly gathered tips before this change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact time of &#8220;setting&#8221; varies, depending on the particular area&#8217;s climate and the growing year. Experienced tip pickers may know when tips can be harvested in your area. The approximate time to begin harvesting tips varies across the state. However, the Maine Christmas Tree Association&#8217;s standards indicate that balsam fir brush should be collected after November 1 and a minimum of three consecutive 20-degree-F (or colder) nights. The tipping season usually lasts until mid-December, but there must be enough time for making and shipping wreaths before the holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a id=\"info\"><\/a>Tip Harvesting Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tips may be harvested from private or corporate-owned forests. Tip harvesters must receive permission to use private land. Many corporations issue permits for use of their land, and permit fees range from one to hundreds of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid possible fines when transporting tips, make sure that you have written permission to harvest or a bill of sale from the landowner where you harvested.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/TR_-pCzYamE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"button\">VIDEO: Maine Balsam Fir Tips: A Sustainable Harvest (YouTube)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a id=\"identify\"><\/a>Identifying Balsam Fir<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Balsam fir has dark green, blunt-ended needles that are about one inch long. Spruce looks similar to balsam fir, but has shorter needles with pointed ends. This makes the needles &#8220;prickly&#8221; to the touch. Hemlock may also be mistaken for balsam fir, but it can be identified by its short, blunt needles and by two white stripes on the needle&#8217;s underside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011.h4.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"292\" data-id=\"5202\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011.h4.gif\" alt=\"Spruce has sharp-pointed needles that are 1\/3 to 2\/3 inches long.\" class=\"wp-image-5202\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 1: A fir tip is 12 to 20 inches long.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"294\" data-id=\"5203\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h1.jpg\" alt=\"Spruce has sharp-pointed needles that are 1\/3 to 2\/3 inches long.\" class=\"wp-image-5203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h1-105x103.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h1-32x32.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 2: Spruce has sharp-pointed needles that are 1\/3 to 2\/3 inches long.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"279\" data-id=\"5204\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h2.jpg\" alt=\"Balsam Fir has dark green, blunt-ended needles about one inch long.\" class=\"wp-image-5204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h2.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h2-105x98.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 3: Balsam Fir has dark green, blunt-ended needles that are about one inch long.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"220\" data-id=\"5205\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h3.jpg\" alt=\"Eastern Hemlock has flat, blunt needles about 1\/3 to 2\/3 inches long.\" class=\"wp-image-5205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h3.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h3-105x77.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 4: Eastern Hemlock has flat, blunt needles that are about 1\/3 to 2\/3 inches long (two white stripes are on the underside).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" data-id=\"5208\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h5.jpg\" alt=\"High quality tips have needles on all sides of the stems.\" class=\"wp-image-5208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h5.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h5-105x79.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 5: A high quality tip has needles on all sides of the stems, no needles missing and a sufficient amount of stems.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"178\" data-id=\"5210\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h7.jpg\" alt=\"A poor quality tip may have a scarce amount of stems and needles.\" class=\"wp-image-5210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h7.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h7-105x62.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 6: A poor quality tip may have a scarce amount of stems, needles on only one side of the stems, needles missing or long stems.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a id=\"quality\"><\/a>Tip Quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many wreath producers are very selective when buying tips, because tip quality largely determines the quality of the finished wreath. Tips should be &#8220;rounded&#8221; (needles on all sides of the tips&#8217; stems). The needles should be a dark green color, not yellow or brown. The tips shouldn&#8217;t have any signs of disease or insect damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a id=\"tree\"><\/a>Harvesting Tips From a Tree<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tips are usually harvested from the mid section of the tree (which generally has the best quality tips) rather than from the top or the bottom. The top part of a fir tree often includes branches with long stems, while the bottom branches usually have needles on only one side. Both are unsuitable for top-quality wreaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To harvest tips from a tree, the tip gatherer grasps the branch firmly between thumb and forefinger and snaps it off with a quick downward motion. Generally, 12 to 20 inches of the branch is harvested. The last major set of stems of a fir branch should remain on the tree. This allows the lateral branches to grow back fully in about three years. Using a long-handled tool like loppers or pruners will enable harvesters to reach quality tips out of reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-tipphoto.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"252\" height=\"158\" data-id=\"5201\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-tipphoto.jpg\" alt=\"Grasp the branch firmly between the thumb and forefinger.\" class=\"wp-image-5201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-tipphoto.jpg 252w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-tipphoto-105x66.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,252px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 7: Step 1\u2014Grasp the branch firmly between the thumb and forefinger.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" data-id=\"5207\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h4.jpg\" alt=\"Snap the branch with a quick downward motion.\" class=\"wp-image-5207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h4.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h4-105x59.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 8: Step 2\u2014Snap the branch with a\nquick downward motion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a id=\"stacking\"><\/a>Stacking the Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the tips are removed from the tree, they are gathered together. One common tip gathering method is to stack the balsam fir tips into a &#8220;stick.&#8221; The tip harvester first cuts down a small conifer tree (four to six feet tall), then strips the tree of all branches except for the last set (located at the bottom end of the tree). These remaining branches are cut four to eight inches in length. The tip gathers use these sticks to transport their tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tips are harvested and stacked onto a stick. The tip gatherer slides each tip down the stick until it rests on the stick&#8217;s bottom stems. The tips are stacked in alternate directions until the stick with tips weighs approximately 40 to 75 pounds. Twine may be attached to both ends of this stack to make it easier to carry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another tip stacking method is to collect the tips into a bundle. Stack tips onto two strings that lie perpendicular (cross-wise) to one another, then compress the tips by kneeling on them. The strings are brought up around the tips and tied together. Each bundle generally weighs 20 to 30 pounds. Some tip harvesters prefer this stacking method because the bundles are easier to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-stick_ax.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"145\" height=\"351\" data-id=\"5212\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-stick_ax.gif\" alt=\"A four- to six-foot long stick used for stacking tips.\" class=\"wp-image-5212\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 9: A four- to six-foot long stick used for stacking tips.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" data-id=\"5211\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h8.jpg\" alt=\"Slide tips onto stick in alternating directions.\" class=\"wp-image-5211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h8.jpg 201w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h8-94x140.jpg 94w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,201px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 10: Slide tips onto stick in alternating directions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"215\" height=\"300\" data-id=\"5209\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h6.jpg\" alt=\"A completed stack of tips weighs 40 to 75 pounds.\" class=\"wp-image-5209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h6.jpg 215w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/10\/7011-h6-100x140.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,215px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 11: A completed stack of tips weighs 40 to 75 pounds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a id=\"selling\"><\/a>Selling the Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals can sell the tips to local buyers (usually a wreath wholesaler or retailer), who provide tip specifications (required tip length, quality and stacking method). These tips are sold according to their weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to locate a buyer before tipping season begins. Also, stay in communication with your buyer to avoid getting stuck with excess tips at the end of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*See 12 MRSA \u00a78841\u2013\u00a78847 (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, chapter 805, Subchapter 3, article 2: Transportation or Cutting of Christmas Trees)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Technical assistance provided by Walter Thompson and Dugald Kell<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Illustrations by Mark A. McCollough<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\"><em>Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a9 1991, 2008, 2017<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/\">www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Originally developed by Mark Cercone, Special Project Assistant, and William D. Lilley, Forestry Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Reviewed and with new information by David Fuller, Agriculture and Non-Timber Forest Products Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.Find more of our publications and books at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":483,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5199","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Originally developed by Mark Cercone, Special Project Assistant, and William D. Lilley, Forestry Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Reviewed and with new information by David Fuller, Agriculture and Non-Timber Forest Products Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.Find more of our publications and books at [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Cooperative Extension Publications\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-05-24T13:51:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/\",\"name\":\"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2010-10-26T17:26:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-05-24T13:51:10+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/\",\"name\":\"Cooperative Extension Publications\",\"description\":\"Information you can use. Research you can trust.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","og_description":"Originally developed by Mark Cercone, Special Project Assistant, and William D. Lilley, Forestry Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Reviewed and with new information by David Fuller, Agriculture and Non-Timber Forest Products Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.Find more of our publications and books at [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/","og_site_name":"Cooperative Extension Publications","article_modified_time":"2024-05-24T13:51:10+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/","name":"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg","datePublished":"2010-10-26T17:26:15+00:00","dateModified":"2024-05-24T13:51:10+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#primaryimage","url":"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg","contentUrl":"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2010\/11\/balsam-fir2.jpg"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7011e\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Bulletin #7011, Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/#website","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/","name":"Cooperative Extension Publications","description":"Information you can use. Research you can trust.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/author\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5199"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31206,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5199\/revisions\/31206"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}