“A very stimulating, educational, and relaxing few days is anticipated by all — not just for improving the craft of producing excellent Christmas trees, but for the lasting friendships that will be formed along the way.” — Joe Flynn, Chair/Secretary, Irish Christmas Tree Growers
Across Europe, Christmas tree growers have been immersed in one of the most vigorous growing seasons in recent memory. Pruning, bud-picking, and leader control have kept growers intensively occupied throughout the spring and early summer, alongside decisions on fertilisation, vegetation management, and protecting beneficial pollinators while minimising the damage of insects such as aphids and weevils. As this demanding phase draws to a close, growers now turn their attention to a brief but vital window of reflection and professional development.
It is during this annual lull — before crops are scanned, graded, and labelled for harvest — that the Christmas Tree Growers Council of Europe (CTGCE) holds its flagship Summer Meeting. The council, comprising fifteen affiliated member countries, uses the three-day gathering to share research, best practice, and innovations in husbandry and technology.
Following highly successful meetings in Switzerland (2024) and the Netherlands (2025), the honour of hosting falls to Ireland in 2026. The Irish Christmas Tree Growers have assembled a rich programme for the three days running from Monday, 6 July to Wednesday, 8 July, at the Mount Wolseley Hotel, Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Programme highlights
• Live demonstrations of current best practice in pruning methodology
• Achieving premium foliage quality
• Innovative weed control and spraying technology
• Crop residue management and land rehabilitation
• Networking sessions and a cultural exchange programme
• Evening entertainment with traditional Irish hospitality
More than 100 attendees from twelve countries are expected to participate in what promises to be a very practical and forward-looking programme. Evening gatherings will offer delegates the opportunity to share their own national songs and anthems as part of a cultural exchange, fostering the spirit of international collaboration that defines the CTGCE.
The Irish Christmas Tree Growers extend a warm welcome to all participants and look forward to showcasing both the innovation and the warmth for which Irish horticulture is becoming known.
