On a recent sultry and windy November day, I drove to Door County to cut down the first official Christmas trees of the holiday season in Wisconsin! After turning into the diminutive town of Forestville, I knew I was in the right place when I came across a classic red pickup truck with a enormous Christmas tree in the bed.
I spent the morning learning from Randy Krueger Krueger Tree Farms about your company, sawing techniques and tips for the longevity of Christmas trees. Local 5 News Live even stopped by to film the Christmas tree cutting and share information from Randy and me with viewers. The Sturgeon Bay based Kruegers were wonderful hosts and educated producers! Learn more about the season on their Facebook page @KruegerTreeFarm.
According to Wisconsin Farmers Bureau Federationmore than 700,000 Christmas trees are cut down each year in our state, with a significant escalate occurring during the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the course of 10 to 15 years, pre-harvest tree crops absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife. After harvesting, the tree is shaken to remove loose needles, wrapped for simple transportation, and loaded to go to its modern home for the holidays. The following spring, for every tree cut down, an average of two or three trees are planted, continuing the cycle of benefits.
Whether you get your tree right after Thanksgiving or wait until Christmas, there are many best practices to keep your tree looking fresh until your gatherings. A well-cared for tree should stay fresh for at least three to four weeks before it dries out to an unsightly level. The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers Association is a comprehensive source of information about Wisconsin Christmas trees and provides the following tips:
- Avoid shortening the sides of the trunk to fit the stand because the outer layers of wood absorb water most effectively and should not be removed.
- For most Christmas trees, the stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water. A cut tree will absorb a surprising amount of water, especially in the first week, so you should replenish the water daily.
- Check the tree stand daily and add water to ensure the water level does not reach below the base of the tree.
- Keep exposed trees away from heat sources (fireplaces, radiators, vents and direct sunlight).
- Monitor the tree for dryness. Run your fingers over the needles to check if they are arid and brittle. If the needles break easily or fall off in your hand, the tree is arid and should be removed from the house.
When the holiday season is over and you’re ready to throw away your Christmas tree, there are some eco-friendly options you can take advantage of. The exact options will vary depending on your location, so a little research can aid you determine a plan of action.
Generally speaking, Christmas trees are mainly recycled in a few main ways. Many local municipalities will harvest trees at the end of the season to turn them into mulch. This mulch is then used as a weed barrier, along walking paths, and more.
In some locations, trees will be placed on a frozen lake, so when the lake thaws, the trees will be submerged and create habitat for fish. These biodegradable trees can also be left outdoors in appropriate locations after all decorations have been removed to become habitats for wildlife or to decompose back into the environment. It is critical not to burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace as the sap will escalate creosote build-up, which may cause a fire risk.
Create wonderful holiday memories this year with a real Wisconsin Christmas tree! To find a tree plot in your area, visit the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers Association at Christmastrees-wi.org.
