November 18, 2004 - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Dan Wyant and Michigan Christmas Tree Association Executive Director Marsha Gray today visited a few of Michigan’s many Christmas tree farms to showcase their financial, environmental and traditional contributions to Michigan’s economy and citizens. They also highlighted the tie to the Tom Hanks’ hit movie, Polar Express, based on a children’s book by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg.

“Michigan’s Christmas tree industry is a vital part of the state’s economy, plays an important land use/farmland preservation and environmental role, and is significant to our agriculture heritage and family holiday traditions,” Wyant said. “By selecting Michigan Christmas trees, whether through one of the hundreds of ‘choose ‘n’ cut’ operations across the state or a pre-cut tree from a local tree lot or retailer, consumers are helping enhance local economies, preserve family farms and farmland, and add a special touch to holiday decorations and family festivities.”

Wyant stressed the economic value of the Christmas tree industry. Wyant said Michigan has about 830 growers and over 54,000 acres covered with Christmas trees, reaping an annual harvest between 2.5 and 3 million trees and contributing $41 million to the state’s economy. Michigan grows eight varieties of trees, including the traditional Scotch Pine, Eastern White Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, and Douglas Fir. The Great Lakes State ranks third in the nation in number of Christmas trees grown and second in the amount of acreage devoted to the growing of Christmas trees.

“Bringing a fresh Christmas tree into the home during the holidays is a long standing tradition,” Gray added.  “The farms visited are among the many Michigan retail choose ‘n’ cut farms offering a discount on a fresh Christmas tree to customers who bring in a movie ticket stub from Polar Express. The movie highlights the beauty and tradition of Christmas celebrations, and that’s part of our message too.”

Michigan Christmas trees also play an important role in environmentally friendly land use and farmland preservation. Tree farmers plant trees for a holiday season seven to 10 years in the future. For every tree harvested, up to three are planted. As Christmas trees grow, they produce oxygen and clean water and provide wildlife habitat.
After the holidays, trees can be recycled with communities chipping them to use in landscaping, recreational trails and playgrounds or mulch. Whole trees can be recycled for erosion and pollution control projects.

Wyant and Gray offered these tips when purchasing a pre-cut tree or cutting your own:

• Look for a well-shaped tree with few bare spots;
• The tree should be fragrant, not musty;
• The needles should be green and have good retention; shake the tree to allow brown interior needles to fall out, green needles should not fall off a healthy tree;
• Store the tree in a cool, sheltered area to protect it from the elements until it is brought inside and decorated.

In addition, to help keep trees fresh and safe throughout the holiday season:

• Make a straight cut across the trunk base and place the tree in a stand filled with at least one gallon of fresh water. A freshly-cut Christmas tree will absorb up to one gallon of water the first day.
• Keep trees watered with at least one quart of water daily to maintain fragrance and beauty. A watered tree not only looks better but also is more fire resistant. If the water level in the tree stand drops below the end of the tree stump, a layer of sap can form over the cut stump in just a few hours, making it impossible for the tree to absorb water.
• Place trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces, televisions and radiators.
• Check tree lights to ensure that they are consumer-inspected (UL-listed or Factory Mutual-approved).
• Inspect lights and cords before hanging them to ensure they are in good working order and fault-free.
• Remember to unplug tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

For more information on Michigan’s Christmas tree industry or to find a choose ‘n’ cut operation nearest you, click here or contact the Michigan Christmas Tree Association at 800/589-TREE or online at www.mcta.org.

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