The practice of shaking a freshly cut Christmas tree at the farm or retail lot is a standard preparation measure before the tree is taken home. This procedure, typically performed with a specialized mechanical device, serves multiple purposes related to cleanliness, safety, and convenience for the consumer. It ensures the tree transitions smoothly from the field environment to the interior of a house by minimizing the immediate mess and potential hazards associated with bringing a natural conifer indoors.
The Immediate Benefit: Reducing Needle Drop Indoors
The most apparent result of shaking a tree is the removal of dead or loose needles that have collected within the tree’s dense canopy. These fallen needles, sometimes referred to as “field drop,” are a natural byproduct of the tree’s growth cycle, as older, inner needles die off when shaded by new growth. While shed needles often fall to the ground in short-needled species like firs, the dead material can become lodged and trapped within the branches of longer-needled varieties, such as Scotch pine.
If these loose, brown needles are not dislodged before the tree is brought inside, they will inevitably fall onto the floor during handling, transportation, and setup, creating a large cleanup chore. The shaking process ensures that the vast majority of this pre-shed material is removed while still outside. This process only removes needles that have already detached from the branches, distinguishing it from the needle loss that occurs later due to the tree drying out. A properly shaken tree sheds far fewer needles upon setup, contributing to a better initial experience for the buyer.
A Step in Pest and Debris Management
Beyond cleanliness, shaking plays a significant role in reducing biological contaminants and minimizing fire risk. Shaking the tree helps to dislodge small insects, spiders, and egg sacs that may be dormant or hidden deep within the branches after months in the field. Once the tree is brought into the warmth of a home, these pests can become active, leading to an unwanted indoor infestation.
Common pests such as aphids, bark beetles, and psocids may be present, and shaking is an effective, non-chemical method for removing them. Additionally, the vigorous motion removes fine, dry debris like dust, dirt, lichen, or small dry twigs and leaves that have accumulated over the tree’s lifespan. This debris, especially fine, dry organic matter, can increase a tree’s flammability, so its removal contributes to a safer indoor environment.
How Mechanical Shakers Work
Mechanical shakers used in the Christmas tree industry are designed to apply controlled vibrational force to the tree without causing damage to the healthy branches or needles. The tree trunk is secured vertically on a platform, often using a clamping mechanism near the base. The machine then uses an eccentric or off-center weight mechanism to generate a high-frequency, oscillating motion.
This rapid, vibrating movement travels up the trunk and through the branches to gently break the weak hold of any loose material. The duration of the process is typically very short, often only 10 to 15 seconds, which is enough time to dislodge debris and loose needles. This preparation usually occurs just before the tree is netted or baled for transport, ensuring the tree is clean and compact for the journey home.