Christmas Tree King: Rudendorfer Christmas tree wins award!

Christmas Tree King: Rudendorfer Christmas tree wins award!

It's almost that time again: the time of the Christmas markets is just around the corner. The Bavarian Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger recently opened the 29th International Christmas Tree Exchange in Nördlingen. At this trade fair there are over 40 exhibitors from different countries who offer everything related to the Christmas tree. One of the prominent exhibitors is the Christmas tree grower Alexander Käb from Rudendorf in the Haßberge district. He received a special award for his Colorado fir and can now call himself “Most Beautiful Christmas Tree 2024” in the “alternative tree species” category.

The event took place in the Ankerhalle and attracts experts and interested parties year after year. An important topic that was discussed during the specialist lectures was climate and sustainability aspects in Christmas tree production. It was emphasized how important Christmas tree plantations are for environmentally friendly use of the areas. This type of management shows that traditional craftsmanship and modern demands for environmental protection can go hand in hand.

The art of tree cultivation

Alexander Käb's Christmas tree plantations cover an area of ​​around 20 hectares, with the Nordmann fir being the focus of his crops. In fact, Käb is completely proud of his work and the remarkable award his tree has received. “The award was the highlight of the event,” he says. It is a sign of appreciation for the laborious work that every Christmas tree grower puts into his plants.

The Colorado fir that now stands in front of his house is not only suitable as a festive Christmas tree, but is also a popular garden plant. Its blue-green to silver-gray colored needles create a festive atmosphere, and even in warm rooms it stays fresh for a long time and smells pleasant. The scent enhances the Christmas mood and gives every home a special touch.

Winter brings a lot of work. Immediately after the busy times at the Christmas markets, Käb ensures that his trees are optimally prepared for next year. “It all starts in the first days of spring with topiary,” he explains. He thinks back with concern to the spring frosts of 2020, which led to crop losses of up to 80 percent in some crops. “You then have to cut everything down and rebuild it,” he says, describing the challenges that can arise from extreme weather.

Water reserves for the future

In order to better survive future frosty nights, Käb has set up a reservoir in Rudendorf with a capacity of 15,400 cubic meters of water. The water is fetched from our own wells and is used for frost irrigation when there are unexpected cold snaps. “The frozen water creates a protective layer around the young shoots,” he explains. This measure protects the sensitive plants and can be crucial for the health of the trees.

Käb's approach to caring for his plantations shows how much effort and dedication goes into sustainable agriculture. His frost sprinkler system is an example of how modern technology can be integrated into traditional craftsmanship. With the right knowledge and the right resources, the quality of the trees can be ensured sustainably.

During these weeks, Käb is constantly active in nature to label the Christmas trees according to size and quality. He supplies numerous Christmas markets in the area, including in Ebelsbach, Zeil, Haßfurt, Ebern and as far as Lichtenfels. The coming weeks promise to be a busy one for Käb and the entire industry as the anticipation of Christmas grows.

Käb's success is also a sign of how regional craftsmanship and sustainable demands can be combined. The Christmas tree industry shows that it is not only responding to current demand, but is also taking responsibility for the future. For more information on this emerging industry, see the current reports on www.mainpost.de.