Outlook for real Christmas trees is positive this year
With only a few days before the real Christmas tree shopping season hits, industry experts are confident there will be a real Christmas tree for everyone who wants one.
“Consumers might have to look a little more, be more patient and flexible,” said Greg Hann, promotion director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association. “I predict we will be busier even earlier and now is the perfect time for families to venture out to get a real Christmas tree.”
Tree size and species variety may differ this year, compared with years past, making this a good season to consider trying something new. With the artificial market hit hard by supply-chain disruption this year, and the real Christmas tree market returned to optimism, it’s an especially relevant season for newcomers to natural trees. “With supply chain disruptions facing this holiday season, it is a great time to support Wisconsin tree growers, with the purchase of a real tree,” said Cassie Sonnentag, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s director of media relations and outreach.
In addition to benefiting the state’s economy, several environmental benefits of Christmas trees include the following:
• The absorption of carbon dioxide and other gases, and in turn, the trees emit oxygen.
• For every real Christmas tree harvested, two to three seedlings are planted.
• Tree farms also 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.
Wisconsin has more than 850 Christmas tree farms. According to the most recent agricultural census, Wisconsin ranks fifth in the nation, in the number of trees cut and acres (more than 23,000) in production. More than 700,000 evergreens are harvested each fall.
“Harvest went good for tree growers and there are plenty of trees available,” said Hann.
