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Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, How Lovely Are Your Branches

2023/12/04
12 7 Christmas Tree Farm

As a child, some may have fond memories of climbing into the family vehicle and riding to a Christmas tree farm. The anticipation, searching, and scent of pine are all part of the experience. Did you know that these beautiful trees are a labor of love that starts years before they grace our living rooms? Here are some frequently asked questions about Christmas’ most popular holiday décor.

Where do they grow? According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are nearly 15,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States, and over 100,000 people are employed full-time in the industry. The top-producing Christmas tree farms are in Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, spanning around 350,000 acres.

How do they grow? Land preparation includes eliminating perennial weeds, pushing/removing stumps and rocks, checking and establishing an appropriate soil pH, and more. Suitable species are chosen based on the climate, growing conditions, age, and size, and are varieties of firs, spruces, and pines. Although these evergreen trees are naturally beautiful, their iconic shape is manmade. The trees are constantly pruned and sheared for roughly 7-15 years until they are six feet tall. Not only are the trees shaped, but they’re fed and fertilized to prevent diseases and insect infestations.

Why should I buy a natural Christmas tree? Opting for a natural Christmas tree not only supports local economies but is an environmentally friendly choice. Artificial Christmas trees are typically manufactured from nonrecycled PVC plastics. When produced, they release dioxins (Persistent Organic Pollutants [POP]; in other words, they take a long time to break down) that can cause developmental and liver problems. Interesting side note: artificial trees were created by the Addis Brush Company, which manufactured toilet bowl brushes! Clearly, real trees are a far superior product and have numerous environmental benefits, like storing carbon, providing oxygen, creating wildlife habitat, supporting local tree farmers, and creating jobs. Trees are renewable resources, and new ones will be planted in place of trees that have been cut down with a 3:1 ratio.

What should I do with my Christmas tree after Christmas is over? The discarded tree can continue to have environmental benefits. Christmas trees can be mulched or composted, but only if they are free from tinsel or snow spray. Many municipalities offer “treecycling” through curbside pickup. Another option is to purchase a living tree, also known as balled and burlapped (B & B), with large root balls wrapped in burlap. These can be kept in the house for two weeks and then be planted outside. Check your local extension office to learn more about tree species suited to your climate and conditions, as well as care tips during the holiday season and after the tree is planted.

Patronizing a local Christmas tree farm can be rewarding, and the experience may create a cherished tradition for friends and family to enjoy year after year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Growing a Christmas tree is a lengthy process that requires years of dedicated care. After land preparation, which involves removing weeds, stumps, and rocks and establishing the right soil pH, suitable tree species are planted and then constantly pruned and sheared for roughly 7 to 15 years until they reach about six feet tall. Throughout that time the trees are also fed and fertilized to prevent diseases and insect infestations.

  • According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are nearly 15,000 Christmas tree farms across the country, employing over 100,000 people full-time. The top-producing states are Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with farms spanning around 350,000 acres in total.

  • Natural Christmas trees offer real environmental and economic benefits. Artificial trees are typically made from nonrecycled PVC plastics and release dioxins during production, which are persistent organic pollutants that can cause developmental and liver problems and take a very long time to break down. Real trees, by contrast, store carbon, provide oxygen, create wildlife habitat, and support local farmers and jobs. They are also renewable resources, with new trees planted at a 3 to 1 ratio for every tree cut down.

  • There are several environmentally friendly options for disposing of a natural Christmas tree. The tree can be mulched or composted, provided it is free from tinsel or snow spray, and many municipalities offer treecycling programs through curbside pickup. If you prefer to keep a living tree, you can purchase a balled and burlapped tree, keep it indoors for up to two weeks, and then plant it outside. Your local extension office can provide guidance on tree species suited to your climate and proper care tips.

  • Christmas tree farms grow varieties of firs, spruces, and pines. The specific species chosen for each farm depend on the local climate, growing conditions, and the desired age and size of the finished tree. While these evergreens are naturally attractive, their familiar symmetrical shape is actually achieved through consistent pruning and shearing over the years they are grown.

  • Yes, choosing a natural Christmas tree is a way to support local economies. The Christmas tree industry employs over 100,000 people full-time across the United States and operates nearly 15,000 farms. Visiting a local Christmas tree farm not only contributes to those livelihoods but can also create a meaningful tradition for friends and family to enjoy year after year.