The standards contained in this subpart are applicable to sheared or unsheared trees of the coniferous species which are normally marketed as Christmas trees.
Grades of Christmas Trees
- U.S. Premium consists of trees which meet the following requirements:
a. Characteristics typical of the species;
b. Butt trimmed; except for trees graded “on the stump”;
c. Normal taper;
d. Fresh;
e. Clean;
f. Healthy;
g. Well shaped;
h. Not less than heavy density;
i. Handle length, unless otherwise specified, shall be not less than 6 inches, or more than 1-1/2 inches for each foot of tree height. For trees graded “on the stump”, handle length will not be a requirement of the grade;
j. Three faces with not more than 1 minor defect. Remaining face may not have more than 1 minor defect;
k. For size see §51.3090;
l. For tolerances see §51.3091.
- U.S. No. 1 consists of trees which meet the following requirements:
a. Characteristics typical of the species;
b. Butt trimmed; except for trees graded “on the stump”;
c. Normal taper;
d. Fresh;
e. Fairly clean;
f. Healthy;
g. Well shaped;
h. Not less than medium density;
i. Handle length, unless otherwise specified, shall be not less than 6 inches, or more than 1-1/2 inches for each foot of tree length. For trees graded “on the stump”, handle length will not be a requirement of the grade;
j. Three faces with not more than 2 minor defects. Remaining face may not have more than 1 noticeable defect;
k. For size see §51.3090;
l. For tolerances see §51.3091.
- U.S. No. 2 consists of trees which meet the following requirements:
a. Characteristics typical of the species;
b. Butt trimmed; except for trees graded “on the stump”;
c. Normal taper;
d. Fresh;
e. Fairly clean;
f. Healthy;
g. Well shaped;
h. Not less than light density;
i. Handle length, unless otherwise specified, shall be not less than 6 inches, or more than 1-1/2 inches for each foot of tree length. For trees graded “on the stump”, handle length will not be a requirement of the grade;
j. Two adjacent faces with not more than 3 minor defects. Remaining faces may not have more than 2 noticeable defects;
k. For size see §51.3090;
l. For tolerances see §51.3091..