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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged Iowans to consider choosing a fresh, Iowa grown Christmas tree to decorate their home this holiday season.
“There are more than 100 Christmas tree farms in Iowa where families in all parts of the state can go out and choose a fresh, locally grown tree that can serve as a centerpiece for their holiday celebrations. Going out to cut down a fresh Christmas tree can be part of a great family tradition and is an opportunity to connect with an Iowa farmer and support the local economy,” Naig said.
The Iowa Christmas Tree Growers Association (ICTGA) has a searchable online directory of tree farms across Iowa on their website at www.IowaChristmasTrees.com. Besides the locations of the farms, the “Find a Farm” directory also includes a phone number and hours of operation for each farm to assist in planning. The website includes information on types of Christmas trees and tips on keeping your tree in good condition during the holiday season.
Iowa Christmas tree farms devote over 1,500 acres to Christmas tree production in Iowa and as a result harvest approximately 39,500 Christmas trees each year. The result is a $1 million industry contributing to Iowa’s economy.
Annually, members of the ICTGA donate trees to the Capitol complex in Des Moines, including trees for the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor’s Office, the Rotunda and the Wallace State Office Building. The beautifully decorated Rotunda tree is available for public viewing daily on the second floor of the Capitol Building.
It takes 6 to 12 years to grow a Christmas tree before it is ready to be sold. Most tree farms in Iowa are 3 to 8 acres in size and sell trees by choose and harvest method, where customers come to the farm and cut their own trees.
Following are ICTGA 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.
- Wear comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes and gloves that you aren’t afraid to get dirty.
- 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 every day.
- 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.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has additional information on selecting and caring for Christmas trees available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/yard-and-garden-selecting-and-caring-christmas-trees.
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For more information, contact Dustin Vande Hoef, (515) 281-3375 or (515) 326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov
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