MICHIGAN CHRISTMAS TREES

Michigan fir trees on display

Lumbering in Michigan is still an important resource.  But it's not the giant oaks, maples and elms.

It's Christmas Trees. Every November/December, Michigan exports millions of evergreen trees which bring about $1.8 million into the coffers of fir tree growers in our mitten state.

Did you know that Michigan harvests almost three million Christmas trees each year? Tree growers produce  12 different varieties,  more than any other state. These numbers though, are falling.

It's not a get-rich-quick industry. After all, it takes seven to ten years to grow a 7 foot tall Christmas tree. Fir trees are the top sellers due to their excellent needle retention and nice fragrance, which American homes want during the holiday season.  Harvest begins in early November when much of the sap is in the needles, which helps the trees stay fresher longer .

But not everyone wants a fresh tree in their home or office for many reasons -- cost, ease of storage, clean up, etc.

Marsha Gray, Executive Director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, said that trees are grown in fields and harvested -- not chopped down in forests. Growth is controlled and nothing is taken away from our State forests & parks -- unless poached, which does happen. That's a different story.

Since 2008, tree growers have seen a troubling trend among consumers, who are increasing opting for artificial trees instead of those grown by farmers, according to surveys commissioned by the National Christmas Tree Association.

According to National Christmas Tree Association,  between 2008 to 2015, and nationally, the number of real trees purchased went from 28.2 million in 2008, rose again to 33.02 million in 2013, then dropped to 25.9 in 2015.

During the same periods, artificial tree purchases increased from 11.7 in 2008 to 14.7 million in 2018, then dropping to 12.5 million is 2015. However, we do not know the reasons for the drop and increase. I can't speculate.

Yet, there's a big campaign afoot called "Christmas -- Keep It Real."    Its purpose is to promote real using real trees during the Christmas season.

Trees. Gift giving. Getting together with friends and family. The important thing is to remember the reason for the season .... so let's. The tree symbolizes part of the "reason" -- the birth of Jesus Christ, the light-bearer.

Peace on earth. With smiles. And with love toward all... yep, even the folks we don't care for very much.  Now that is a mighty tall order.