Burning Guidelines: Part II

Below is the section of the memorandum of understanding between DENR and NCDA&CS that pertains to burning of Christmas tree and nursery plants and plant parts.

Christmas Tree. Nursery and Ornamental Burning

Open burning of Christmas trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and other misc. ornamental
plants, and annual prunings from these trees and shrubs, is considered an acceptable
agricultural practice by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services. This applies to all commercial Christmas tree farms, nurseries and
greenhouses that grow these plants. Burning will kill many primary insect and disease
pests that live in this wood and pose a hazard for nearby Christmas trees, nursery and
greenhouse crops. Burning is recommended in a timely manner to prevent the spread of
these insect and disease pests to healthy trees, shrubs, and other ornamental
plants. Piling, mulching or transferring to landfill increases the risk of spreading
disease. Any burning with prevailing winds towards a public road should be a minimum
of 250 feet from the edge of the public road. No burning is allowed within 1,000 feet of
another property owner's occupied structure without a signed written waiver at the time
of the burn from the property owner(s) within the 1,000 feet boundary. Such a waiver
must be approved by the Division of Air Quality Regional Supervisor in the respective
area prior to the burn being initiated.