You may not realize this, but we grow Christmas trees in Mississippi! Most growers here operate choose-and-cut farms. The species producers grow are adapted to our hot summers but dry out quickly after cutting when not kept in water. So, customers come to the farm and cut a fresh tree for the holidays. The most popular species grown is the Leyland cypress (Figure 1). Other species grown for Christmas trees include Arizona cypress, Eastern redcedar, and Virginia pine. The Leyland cypress and Virginia pine have excellent needle retention. The Arizona cypress and Eastern redcedar have shorter needle retention but should last if harvested a couple weeks before Christmas. In addition, some growers sell pre-cut Fraser fir trees. These are imported from the Appalachian Mountains and are another popular choice.
The ‘standard’ tree is 6-8 ft tall. This year, trees will sell for about $9-14/ft. Larger trees (>10 ft) and the Fraser fir (which are in short supply) will trend toward the higher end of that price range.
If you choose and cut a tree, you know it’s fresh. If you buy a pre-cut tree, the needles should be green and persistent. Gently run your closed hand along a branch; the needles should remain on the tree. Also bend a branch; it should be flexible. Once the tree is cut, it should be put in water as soon as you arrive home. Trim off at least 1 inch from the bottom of the trunk, cutting perpendicular to the axis of the stem. Use a tree stand which will hold a quart of water for every inch of tree diameter. Check the water level frequently, and refill as necessary. A real tree taking up water is less fire-prone than an artificial tree.
Once inside, keep your real Christmas tree cool. Locate the tree away from fireplaces, heating vents, and south- or west-facing windows. Decorate with non-combustible ornaments.
Use the LED or mini-lights. If you re-use lights each year, inspect them for cracks in the plugs and frayed wires. If you find defects, replace those lights. Do not overload electrical outlets. Turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed. Finally, once the tree has dried out, take it down and discard or recycle. Do not burn it in your fireplace.
There are at least 27 growers across the state. You can find the grower nearest you through the Southern Christmas Tree Association (http://www.southernchristmastrees.org/). Visiting a Christmas tree farm to choose a tree for the holidays is an enjoyable family tradition. Choose a real tree for Christmas this year!
