November 14, 2007

LAINGSBURG - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto joined Marsha Gray, Executive Director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, at Peacock Road Tree Farm in Laingsburg today to celebrate the start of the fresh Christmas tree season in Michigan and to promote the Trees for Troops program. Farm owners Ed and Diana Carpenter and U.S. Marine Corps representatives were on hand to accept Christmas tree donations from students from Bath and Laingsburg elementary schools. The donated trees will be sent to families with loved ones serving in the military overseas.

“Thanksgiving weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas holiday season, and I encourage consumers to select a real Michigan Christmas tree for a fresh, high quality tree that benefits the environment, supports local farmers and Michigan’s economy,” said Koivisto. “You can also show your support, give thanks and make the holidays special for a military family by donating a Christmas tree through the Trees for Troops program.”

Michigan ranks third in the nation in the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying approximately 3 million fresh Christmas trees to the national market each year. Michigan also produces and sells more than a dozen tree varieties on a wholesale level -- more varieties than any other state. Our state has approximately 42,000 acres in commercial Christmas tree production, with an annual farm gate value of over $41 million. The top six counties, Missaukee, Oceana, Wexford, Montcalm, Allegan, and Manistee, account for just over 50 percent of the Michigan’s total Christmas tree acreage. The industry generates an additional $1.3 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland, and other cut greens.

Trees for Troops is a national program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, in cooperation with the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and at least 20 state or regional Christmas Tree Associations, and FedEx Freight, that will provide real Christmas trees to more than 14,000 troops and their families at more than 25 military bases across America this Christmas season.

Michigan Christmas tree growers are donating 1,000 real Christmas trees, and many Michigan Choose & Cut Christmas tree growers will be accepting contributions for the Christmas Spirit Foundation and to support Trees for Troops at their farms throughout the Christmas season.

“The Trees for Troops program provides a way for all Americans to show their appreciation for the sacrifices that U.S. troops and their families are making this holiday season,” said Marsha Gray. “In addition to the donation from our state’s Christmas tree farms, Michigan families, businesses, as well as school, church and scout groups are encouraged to make donations at participating Christmas tree farms to help expand the reach of our state’s program.”

For more information on Michigan’s Christmas tree industry, visit MDA’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda or contact the Michigan Christmas Tree Association at 800-589-TREE or at www.mcta.org. For more information about the Trees for Troops program, visit www.ChristmasSpiritFoundation.org

Select Michigan. It’s good for you, our growers, and our local economy.

Michigan Christmas Tree Facts & Tips:
Christmas trees typically take seven to ten years to grow to a harvestable size. By planting new trees for a holiday season seven to ten years in the future, farmers are establishing an environment that produces oxygen and clean water, reduces wind and water erosion, improves water filtration into soil, filters sediment from rainfall, and provides a habitat for wildlife. Real Christmas trees also absorb carbon dioxide, which helps counteract possible greenhouse gas effects.

After the holidays, there are many uses for recycled real Christmas trees. Many communities chip the trees and use the chippings for mulch, hiking trails, playground areas, animal stalls or landscaping. Whole trees are recycled for an even greater variety of uses; river shoreline stabilization, sand dune erosion prevention, marshland sedimentation, fish habitat, winter garden decorations, wild bird feeders, even hazardous chemical clean-ups.

The climate, soils and topography of Michigan permit the production of many popular species of Christmas trees. The top Christmas tree species in Michigan is Scotch Pine. The three other leading species are Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir and Colorado Blue Spruce.

Consider 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 throughout the holiday season and prevent Christmas-tree related fires:

• Make a straight cut across the trunk base and place the tree in a stand filled with at least one gallon of fresh water. Expect 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.