Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Stores are full of shoppers, the kids are out of school, and the next batch of cookies are being popped into the oven; this can only mean one thing - Christmas! But, the Christmas season is not complete until the tree is up and decorated to perfection. And Illinois Farm Bureau knows that this tradition wouldn't be possible without tree farmers!
About 35 million real trees are sold in the U.S. every year and 98% of them are grown on farms throughout all 50 states and Canada. Our state is no exception! Illinois has 291 farms covering over 3,800 acres of land devoted to growing Christmas trees. Like most things grown on farms, trees are renewable and have surprise benefits and added values.
These trees are planted with the purpose of being harvested, just like other crops in Illinois. For each Christmas tree harvested, up to two new seedlings are planted in its place, depending on farm size and current field rotation. Young trees produce more oxygen than older trees. An acre of these trees provides enough oxygen for 18 elves or people.
When the season comes to an end, there is by-product value in your tree. With more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs in the country, recycled trees can be used to make:
Illinois Farm Bureau asks you have a great Christmas and remember that farmers help this season bright!
Sources: University of Illinois Illinois Christmas Tree Association
For More Info Contact:
Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.
100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.
Christmas trees take an average of 7-10 years to mature.
Growing Christmas trees provide habitat for wildlife.
On average, 2,000 Christmas trees are planted per acre.
Oregon produces the most real Christmas trees-6.4 million.
In the U.S. there are more than 12,000 cut your own tree farms.
