News Release 10-22-2001 |
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CHOOSE AND CUT CHRISTMAS TREES A ‘GROWING’ INDUSTRY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHARLESTON, WV — With Thanksgiving just around the corner, a recent topic of discussion was Christmas trees and if you and your family prefer natural trees this article will catch your interest. Ed Grafton, President of the West Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association, is a person who prefers natural trees. “West Virginians are still especially partial to pines, but the fir group is growing in popularity,” said Grafton. “Ten years ago, I had little to no fir, but now I have 20 acres of fir and that’s exciting. They are easier to grow and have fewer disease problems than pines.” Pines are still two-thirds of the Christmas tree market in the Mountain State, followed by firs and a few spruce trees. Like most other agricultural producers in the state, Christmas tree growers face two main obstacles to having good seasons – weather and deer, which are particularly fond of white pine. “Two years ago, most growers lost everything they planted. I have gone through years where I lost every tree I planted, to having all of them survive the season,” Grafton said. “We are expecting good trees this year,” said Assistant State Forester Bob Whipkey. “Although we had a dry April that set things back, there was significant rainfall in May, which improved the growing conditions.” Each year, the total number of Christmas trees harvested in West Virginia is approximately 200,000. Most wholesale trees grown here go to Christmas tree lots in urban areas. However, the number of “choose and cut” operations in the state is growing. These operations allow families to come to the farm, choose the tree they want and cut it down themselves. A good West Virginia operation sells 500 to 1,000 trees annually, according to Grafton. “Many growers are using this as a supplemental income,” Grafton said. “Very few people do this for a living; most are just looking for a little extra money.” The West Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association was formed in 1954 to promote natural trees for Christmas. The organization currently has approximately 120 members. For more information or to receive a catalog of “choose and cut” operations, contact the W.Va. Division of Forestry, (304) 558-2788.
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