A problem in seed collection is the difficulty of estimating the costs involved. Readers are, therefore, encouraged to exchange information on the manpower requirements for seed and cone collection. The figures given below were provided by Mr. H. Barner of the Danish/FAO Forest Tree Seed Centre for Danish conditions where cone crops were good and access to trees and stands was easy. Figures are for experienced climbers using ladders and working 8½ hours per day. 1 hectolitre (h1) = approximately 22 imperial gallons.
| Species | hl cones/man/8½ hours | ||
| good | max. | ||
| Abies nobilis | 10 | 14 | |
| Abies nordmanniana | 3 | 5 | |
| Abies alba | 5 | 7 | |
| Acer pseudoplatanus | 25 | 35 | |
| Fraxinus excelsior | 30 | 40 | |
| Picea sitchensis | 2 | 3 | |
| Picea abies | 4 | 6 | |
| Picea omorika | 1 | 1.5 | (young stands) |
| Larix leptolepis | 1.5 | 2 | (young stands) |
| Larix decidua | 0.6 | 1 | |
| Pinus sylvestris | 1.8 | 2.5 | (seed orchards) |
| Pinus austriaca | 1.8 | 2.5 | |
| Pseudotsuga sp. | 1.5 | 2.0 | |
In very good crop years the following amount of seed can be collected per ha in Danish stands:
| Abies alba | 150 – 200 kg |
| Abies nordmanniana | 150 – 200 kg |
| Abies nobilis (procera) | 250 – 600 kg |
| Larix sp. | 25 – 70 kg |
| Picea abies | 50 – 150 kg |
| Picea sitchensis | 15 – 25 kg |
| Pseudotsuga sp. | 40 – 80 kg |
| Fagus sylvatica | 500 – 1000 kg |
| Quercus sp. | 2000 – 5000 kg (?) |
| Fraxinus excelsior | 400 – 800 kg |
| Acer pseudoplatanus | 200 – 400 kg |
