DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans to choose a fresh Iowa grown Christmas tree to decorate their home during the upcoming holiday season. “With the day after Thanksgiving a popular time to get Christmas decorations, I encourage Iowans to consider selecting a fresh Christmas tree grown right here in the state,” Northey said. “Selecting a fresh Christmas tree can be part of a great family tradition and is an opportunity to support the local economy.”
A full directory of over 100 tree farms across Iowa is available on the Department’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov . Once there, click on the “Choose Iowa” link at the bottom of the page and the directory is located on that page. Besides the location of the farms, the directory also includes a phone number and hours of operation for each farm to assist in planning.
These farms devote nearly 2,500 acres to Christmas tree production in Iowa and as a result harvest approximately 57,000 Christmas trees each year. The result is a $1.4 million dollar industry contributing to Iowa’s economy.
Tips to keep in mind to make your trip to a Christmas tree farm more enjoyable:
* Be sure you know what size tree fits in your home, both height and width, before you leave. Trees always look smaller in the field and there is nothing worse than bringing a tree indoors only to find it’s too big.
* Where comfortable cloths, sturdy shoes, and gloves that you aren’t afraid to get dirty. You are going to a farm!
* Make sure the tree you pick has a straight trunk and will fit properly in your tree stand.
* Fresh trees need water. Once you get your tree home remember to check the water daily. Trees can use up to a gallon of water daily.
* Make sure you unplug any tree lights before you leave home or go to bed.
* Remember – fresh cut Christmas trees are biodegradable! Recycle your tree after Christmas.
If you are not putting the tree up right away, store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and cold (freezing) temperatures. Make a fresh one inch cut on the base end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.
“Follow these tips and your will be able to enjoy a beautiful, fresh and locally grown Christmas tree throughout the holiday season,” Northey said.
Bill Northey is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. Northey is a fourth-generation corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake, Iowa. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are expanding opportunities in renewable energy, encouraging conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture.
