Pines Nest vertically integrates Christmas tree farming and mass timber harvesting and production on one site at the edge of the Black Rock Forest. The project reimagines an efficient and economically viable solution for mass timber production. Eastern white pine is selected as the main species to be grown as it is a common native species that can be used for both Christmas trees and wood for CLT and is moderately fast-growing. This hybrid tree farm uses the technique of forest thinning, in which trees are first grown at a high density, then are selectively removed to enable faster growth for the remaining trees. For every acre of trees, around 700 trees will be harvested as Christmas trees (7-15 years), and around 300 for mass timber (40+ years). A network of lodges is installed for families to enjoy a unique festive experience in a forest of Christmas trees instead of buying cut Christmas trees. The lodges are designed to be easily assembled with CLT modules and can be relocated to adjacent lots to accommodate different stages of tree growth. The mature trees are harvested and produced into mass timber products at the factory on-site, which also houses amenities for lodgers.
