Thanksgiving signals the unofficial start of the Christmas season. Many families choose a real tree to celebrate the holiday which not only makes for great memories, but also benefits Wisconsin’s economy and environment.
“Choosing a real Christmas tree supports local farmers and is an environmentally-friendly option,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. “With many consumers showing a preference for local products, the tradition of celebrating Christmas with a real tree is a great option.”
Benefits of a Real Christmas Tree
- Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases, and in turn emit oxygen. For every real Christmas tree harvested, two to three seedlings are planted.
- Tree farms serve as great habitat for wildlife to live.
- After Christmas, trees can be recycled into mulch to be used on trails or gardens. Growers use the mulch around seedlings to preserve moisture and reduce weed competition. Some recycled cut trees are used as soil erosion barriers or wildlife habitats.
Meeting consumer demands for real Christmas trees this year won’t be a problem due to ideal weather conditions.
“Now is the perfect time for families to venture out to get a real Christmas tree,” Cheryl Nicholson, Executive Secretary of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association said. “With the good growing season this past summer the trees are very healthy and look great.”
Wisconsin has more than 365 licensed Christmas tree farms. According to the most recent agricultural census, Wisconsin is fifth in the nation in the number of trees cut and acres (more than 23,000) in production. More than 600,000 evergreens are harvested each fall.
“The sale of Christmas trees and wreaths generates more than 16 million dollars for Wisconsin’s economy and thousands of residents are employed in the industry, because it is a labor-intensive agriculture crop,” added Nicholson. “Many tree farms offer gift shops, farm animals, reindeer, bonfires, hot chocolate, wagon rides and other activities, which makes for a fun winter-time ag-tourism trip for families.”
Find a Christmas Tree Farm Near Me
A complete list of farms and retail lots is available on the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association’s website. Also, learn about the variety of Christmas trees grown in Wisconsin, tips for selecting a tree and caring for it.
The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association membership is comprised of Christmas tree growers, wreath makers and industry related companies. The mission of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association is to promote real Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery through marketing and education of our members and customers and to produce quality real, farm fresh and fragrant products while protecting the environment.
Rural Mutual is proud to support Wisconsin farms and agritainment. Contact a Rural Mutual agent to make sure your Christmas tree farm is properly protected.
