At Martin's Tree Farm, we use no pesticides. We rely on natural methods to virtually eliminate insect damage to our trees. Most insects only attack one type of tree. If trees are planted in the usual manner of solid squares of all the same type and size, insects move easily from one tree to the next. At Martin's we vary the types of trees in each square with fraser firs next to blue spruces and scotch pines. We also grow all different sizes of trees in each square. Where little seedlings are planted, there are, in effect, open spaces between the bigger trees. This arrangement discourages insect pests and is much more scenic than the old fashioned regimented pattern of planting, where all the fully grown trees are located in one area. At Martin's you can walk all over the property and cut what ever tree you like. We also encourage predatory insects that feed on harmful insects by allowing the larger open areas between groups of trees to revert to natural grassland where grasses, weeds and wild flowers attract and support a huge population of beneficial insects along with a variety of butterflies and birds. We mow pathways through the tall grasses for the convenience of our customers. Whether a tree farmer uses pesticides or not, by the time you cut your tree in late November or early December, because of cold weather and frosts, insects are long gone from the trees. For anyone who is interested in such things, I should say that predatory insects are encouraged by weeds and wild flowers because they arrive in a new area as winged adults looking for flower nectar as a food source. Once they have found an abundant source of nectar they begin to look about for a good place to lay their eggs. It is their larvae that eat other insects so they look to lay their eggs near concentrations of spidermites or aphids which will provide food for their newly hatched offspring, a habit that is very convenient to the tree farmer. (see the page on lady bugs for more info on that insect)