CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 11/20/14

Georgia-grown Christmas trees in the spotlight this holiday season

By Maggie Dudacek

For more than 500 years, people have brought trees into their homes to decorate for the holiday season. While some families choose artificial and pre-lit trees, plenty of people still want the real thing.

Since 2010, the value of Georgia’s Christmas tree crop has increased by about $2 million, to about $10.18 million, according to the 2013 University of Georgia Farm Gate Value Report released this fall.

Georgia-grown Christmas trees not only make a big impact on the state’s economy, they help families make lasting holiday memories.

“It’s more than just buying a tree; it’s getting people out to the farm and getting to know the farmers” said Kent Wolfe, director for the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “It creates more of a memory that you get there with your family.”

“To see the kids come out and run through the trees and select that tree, it really brings a lot of joy,” added Greg Smith, owner of 7 G’s Farm, a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm located in Nicholson, Ga.

Whether your family wants a fir, cypress or cedar tree, and whether it’s fresh cut or from the local super-store, there are a few things you can do to make sure this year’s Christmas tree stays healthy and safe through out the holiday season.

  • If you decide to cut your own tree, go to a tree farm. The farmers will be more than happy to help you in choosing the perfect tree for you and your family. “Typically, each farm will let you come in, select your tree and harvest the tree. We’ll assist you if you need assistance,” Smith said. “When you harvest a tree at a choose-and-cut farm, you know when it was cut.”
  • Remember the height of your ceiling. There should be at least one foot between the ceiling and your tree’s highest point.
  • Test the freshness of your tree. The needles should be firmly attached, and very few should fall off when the tree is shaken.
  • Make sure that the tree’s trunk is straight and at least 6 to 8 inches long. This ensures that the tree can be safely stabilized in the tree stand.
  • For pre-cut trees, place a fresh cut along the base of the tree before placing it into the stand to help keep it fresh.
  • Before you bring the tree inside, check for any insects or other animals that may be hiding in the tree to avoid any unwanted visitors this holiday season.
  • Until it is time for your tree to be decorated, keep it sheltered but from away from sources of direct heat.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. “Water is a key item when you do a choose-and-cut tree. When you get it home, get it directly in water. These trees will typically drink up to 2 gallons a day,” Smith said.
  • Water, water and more water. Not only does watering keep your tree fresh and standing tall, but it keeps it from becoming a fire hazard.
  • Enjoy your beautiful tree, and have a happy and safe holiday season with your loved ones.

In addition to being a Georgia Christmas tree advocate, Smith is the state coordinator for the Trees for Troops program, which provides live Christmas trees to armed forces service members and their families stationed domestically and internationally. For more information, please visit www.treesfortroops.org.

Maggie Dudacek is a student writer with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Authors:
Maggie Dudacek
Experts/Sources:
Kent Wolfe
Leyland Cypress trees growing on a Christmas Tree Farm in Nicholson, GA. 7 G's Tree Farm. 11-11-09
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Download Image
HurricaneHeleneGreenhouseDamageCropped CAES News
UGA Extension supports resilience in Georgia farm communities after Hurricane Helene 12/19/24 Emily Cabrera
Hurricane Helene wrought sweeping devastation across Georgia’s agricultural sector in late September, leaving an indelible mark on both the land and the people who tend it, bringing focus to vulnerabilities in Georgia’s farming industry and the need for more robust safety nets. In addition to the physical destruction, the hurricane took an emotional toll on Georgia’s farmers. In response, UGA Extension has prioritized mental health support.
In Georgia alone, there are nearly 400,000 individuals employed in some segment of hospitality. With the unique mix of leisure travel in coastal Georgia and convention travel in Atlanta, HFIM students have a wealth of opportunities to choose the area that suits them best. CAES News
UGA redefines Southern hospitality through a thriving degree program 11/27/24 Claire S. Kinnard
There are nearly 400,000 individuals employed in some segment of hospitality in Georgia. With the unique mix of leisure travel in coastal Georgia and convention travel in Atlanta, University of Georgia hospitality and food industry management students have a wealth of opportunities to choose the area that suits them best. This versatile experience — with its focus on quality curriculum, meaningful interaction with local and national business, and experiential learning — has already begun graduating the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Conner Hall CAES News
CAES welcomes 2024 cohort of Rural Scholars 11/20/24 Maria M. Lameiras
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences welcomed its fourth cohort of students chosen for the CAES Rural Scholars Program this fall just weeks after celebrating the program's first graduation. Georgia Orman, one of four inaugural Rural Scholars in CAES, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. The new scholars for 2024, all from Georgia, are Ela Ash of Ocilla, Lauren E. Coley of Cochran, Amelia Housley of Canon, and London O’Steen of Ambrose.
TiftonCampusSunset2 CAES News
CAES Transfer Pathways Program expands enrollment access for rural students 11/12/24 Emily Cabrera
The Transfer Pathways Program is opening new doors for rural students who dream of attending the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). In partnership with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Southern Regional Technical College, students who complete required coursework at these institutions can transfer to CAES to complete bachelor’s degrees in one of three majors — agribusiness, agricultural education, and agriscience and environmental systems. 
Associate Professor Rhuanito Ferrarezi poses with a Gerber daisy grown by students in his 4050/6050 Greenhouse Management class in fall 2023. CAES News
Upcoming UGA plant sales bring color to fall 10/15/24 Maria M. Lameiras
Fall weather means fall gardening, and several groups at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will be offering the fruits of their labors at ornamental plant sales across campus this semester. On Friday, Oct. 18, the Trial Gardens at University of Georgia will hold its annual Fall Houseplant Sale, and on Wednesday, Nov. 20, greenhouse management students will offer their ornamental plant sale at the South Milledge Greenhouse Complex.
Georgia is consistently one of the top five states to use the H-2A visa program and depends on H-2A workers for 60% of agricultural jobs. CAES News
Journey to work 10/14/24 Emily Cabrera
On a farm in southwest Georgia, the rising sun is just beginning to shine upon acres of lush fall crops growing in neat rows. Migrant workers are hunched over, quickly picking the dew-covered leafy greens destined for grocery stores throughout the country. At the end of a hard day, they head home to a shared house that has been provided to them for the duration of their employment. The next morning, they will wake and return to the fields for another day of work in the elements and finish with a shared evening in the communal housing.