Some people choose to showcase a beautiful faux Christmas tree in their living rooms each year, but there are some who continue that age old tradition of picking and displaying the real thing. Here are some helpful tips for those who chose a real tree, and also some facts you may not know!

Interesting facts:

· There are approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year.

· There are close to 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers. (National Christmas Tree Foundation)

· There are more than 4,000 local Christmas Tree recycling programs throughout the United States. (National Christmas Tree Foundation)

· It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 - 7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time is 7 years. (National Christmas Tree Foundation)

· The top Christmas Tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington. (National Christmas Tree Foundation)

· According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the five most common Christmas Tree types are: The Noble Fir, The Fraser Fir, The Balsam Fir, The Douglas Fir, and The Scots Pine.

Here are some helpful tips:

“Each tree species is different so careful selection is important: Soft needle species (pines, firs) are best for homes with small children while hard needle species (spruce) are the adult choice. Firs often have shorter needles, strong stems, and well-spaced branches making it easier to hang lights and decorations.” (Purdue Extension) “Check freshness: Bend a needle with your fingers (firs snap, pines ben). Gentle run your hand over the branch from inside to out or if possible, gently bounce the tree on the cut end. If a few interior needles come off, it is probably fresh; if many exterior needles fall off, choose a different tree. Remove and crush a few needles in your hand, if there is little scent choose another tree. The tree should have even coloration 360° around and needles should be fresh (shiny, green) and not old (dried out, brown).” (Purdue Extension)

So this holiday season make sure you chose the best tree for your family and discuss some of these fun facts at your family’s dinner table!

Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources:

https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/picking-out-a-holiday-tree/

https://arbordayblog.org/misc/the-five-most-popular-christmas-trees/

https://realchristmastrees.org/dnn/Education/Quick-Tree-Facts