Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a course titled "Production of Christmas Trees and Greenery" (LSLS10084U). This course is part of the Skov- og landskabsingeniør (Forestry and Landscape Engineering) program.

Course Description

The course covers various aspects of Christmas tree and greenery production, including:

• Introduction to the field
• Selection of location, tree species, and provenance
• Cultural practices and maintenance
• Growth and regulation of nobilis and nordmann fir
• Pest, disease, and climate damage management
• Economics: history, cultural models, strategic considerations, market operators, and pricing models
• Marketing theory and practice: customer groups, trade agreements, contract formation, and complaint handling
• International production and investment projects
• Visits to producers and field exercises

Course Objectives

The course aims to provide students with a broad understanding of Christmas tree and greenery production, including biology, environmental aspects, and business economics. Upon completion, students should be able to:

• Describe the main characteristics of the species used and the general features of provenance selection
• Explain the parameters and methods for correct nutrient supply and evaluate environmental aspects
• Classify major pests and describe their biology, as well as explain control methods
• Describe the structure of the Christmas tree and greenery market, operators, pricing, and sales conditions
• Demonstrate knowledge of trade agreements, contract formation, and international competition

Teaching Methods

The course combines lectures, exercises, and excursions to leading Christmas tree and greenery producers. The teaching is practice-oriented, and the course includes a project assignment that serves as the final exam.

Assessment

The course is assessed based on a written report submitted after the course, and the pass requirement is that the final assignment demonstrates the ability to provide professionally sound advice.

Course Information

• Language: Danish
• Course code: LSLS10084U
• ECTS points: 7.5
• Level: Professionsbachelor
• Duration: Summer
• Schedule: Every day in weeks 32-34 and week 35 for assignment writing, plus 2-3 days of excursion in week 33

Responsible Institute and Instructors

• Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resource Management
• Course responsible: Marianne Lyhne
• Instructors: Marianne Lyhne, Ulrik Braûner Nielsen, Iben Margrethe Thomsen, and others

Workload

• Category:
  • Ekskursioner: 45 hours
  • Forberedelse: 20 hours
  • Forelæsninger: 45 hours
  • Praktiske øvelser: 18 hours
  • Projektarbejde: 56 hours
  • Teoretiske øvelser: 18 hours
  • Vejledning: 4 hours
  • Total: 206 hours