The climate of Boundary County is the most ideal in the United States for the commercial growth of conifer and deciduous trees. As a result, a thriving nursery industry has evolved which employs approximately 500 people – one of the largest agricultural segments in the county. The Selkirk Mountains to the west and the Cabinet Mountains on the east provide a sheltered highland valley setting ideal for several commercial nurseries.

Critical to the development of trees is the requirement for 150 days of cold temperatures for their root growth. This, in turn, promotes tree strength to enhance above surface growth in the spring.

University of Idaho studies demonstrate that trees planted in Boundary County for five weeks exhibit root growth 400 percent greater than in Portland, Seattle and other areas in the Northwest that grow conifer and deciduous trees. Boundary County has developed special interest in the Christmas tree industry because, to quote a local nursery owner, “The trees develop a cold hardiness and retain their needles longer after harvesting.” Another owner says, “The cold root period here is the best in the nation,” making it the number one place to grow and buy trees.

In addition, visitors and residents alike enjoy the rich variety of natural forest trees that dress our beautiful mountains and valleys.