Tree farming is the growing of trees for profit. Tree farms generally range in size from 10 acres (4 hectares) to nearly 1 million acres (400,000 hectares). Most are on private land. Farmers raise trees primarily for the forest products industry, but some trees are grown for sale by nurseries or for use as Christmas trees.
In some countries, national or local forestry agencies or organizations certify land for tree farming. Farmers generally commit to sustainable production—that is, to producing timber using environmentally sound practices that protect soil and water resources and wildlife.
The American Tree Farm System is the world’s oldest sustainable forestry and certification program. It began in 1941 with the establishment of the first certified tree farm by the Weyerhaeuser Company in Montesano, Washington. Today, there are tens of thousands of tree farms throughout the United States. Other countries with large certified tree farm systems include Canada and Sweden.
See also Forestry ; Washington (Natural resources) .
