By Lauren Gregg, News Services
Even with the recent drought in North Carolina, this year's Christmas tree crop will be just as good as last year's, according to Jeff Owen, North Carolina State University area extension forestry specialist who works with Christmas tree growers across the N.C. mountains.
The state will harvest and distribute around 5.5 million trees at a total value of about $130 million to stores and lots across North Carolina and the Southeast.
The recent rains came just in time to give most N.C. Fraser fir growers a much-needed reprieve from the drought. "The six to nine inches of rain we had in late October replenished the moisture in the trees before harvest started," Owen says. "While the rain didn't come in time to save many Christmas tree seedlings planted in 2007, it was just what the doctor ordered for our market trees."
Owen says after the late October rain, the temperatures dropped, which was the other ingredient needed for a good harvest. With more than two weeks of frosty nights, now-dormant Fraser fir Christmas trees will have a tight hold on their needles. He also says that, in general, the color of the trees harvested this year is excellent.
While tree prices vary depending on how far they are shipped and where you buy them, Owen says a 6- to 7-foot Fraser fir tree, which comprises 95 percent of the state's Christmas tree crop, could cost as little as $40 if you buy it at a chain store. If you purchase a premium quality tree at a garden center it may cost $50 to $80. "With larger trees, the cost may be as much as $10 per foot," Owen says.
When it comes to keeping your tree fresh, Owen says there is nothing more important than making sure it has adequate water. "Water is the key to keeping a tree safe," he says. "Water is more important than any fire retardant or water additive, most of which actually dry the tree
out worse than if you left it alone. With enough water, a tree can easily remain on display for a month or more."
Stiff or brittle needles warn that your tree might be getting dry. Owen says that if a tree stand is allowed to go dry, the tree can stop taking up any additional water because the stump seals itself off. "If the tree stops taking up water, then I would be cautious about leaving lights on for extended periods." The only option, he says, is to take the tree down and cut half-an-inch off the bottom so it can take water again.
Below are some tips for making sure your tree doesn't dry out:
For more information on North Carolina's Christmas tree crop and on how to take care of your own tree, visit the Web at www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher.
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NC State University News Services (919) 515-3470 or newstips@ncsu.edu