The mission of Christmas Trees Farm is to provide free information and knowledge for success starting today about Christmas Tree Farms for growing christmas trees
Interesting Facts about the Christmas Tree
1. Who were first known to use decorated trees for a celebration? Ancient Romans during their winter festival
2. When did Christmas trees first appear in the United States and who introduced them? Hessian soldiers in 1776
3. What decorations were used during the early 1800's? Christmas tree decorations that were used in the 1800's were fruits, nuts, popcorn, cranberries, pastries, sugar lumps, candy and candles.
4. Where was the first glass ornament used and what was it called? The first ornament appeared in Germany in 1848 and it was called a kugel.
5. When was the glass ornament introduced in the United States? 1880
6. Who was the first person to decorate a tree with a strand of electric lights? Thomas Edison's assistant, Edward Johnson
7. When was the first tree erected by the community of Washington D.C.? December 1913
8. When was the first National Christmas Tree erected at the White House? November 1923
9. Where was the first Christmas Tree Market and how much did the trees cost? 1851 in New York City, cost from a nickel to a quarter
10. Where and when was the first Christmas tree farm begun? The first christmas tree farm began in Trenton, New Jersey in 1901.
11. Where do farmers find the seeds to plant Christmas trees? cones from seed trees
12. How long do seedlings grow in beds before planting in fields? two or more years
13. How long do trees grow in the fields before harvesting? 8 to 12 years
14. What are two things farmers do during the summer months to help their trees grow? fertilize and weed
15. How do trees get their beautiful shape? Tree farmers shear the trees with shearing knives.
16. Why does the tree farmer use a baler when harvesting trees? To keep the trees fresh, makes them easier to handle and protects the branches
17. What state produces the most Christmas trees? Oregon
18. What types of trees are the best sellers? Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Frasier Fir, Noble Fir, Virginia Pine, Balsam Fir, and White Pine
19. How many new trees are planted each year? 56 million new trees and a total of 77 million trees are planted
20. What percent of Christmas trees are recycled? 59%
There were more than 17,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States.
Christmas trees are grown in all 50 States including Hawaii and Alaska and take 7-10 years to mature. The best-selling varieties are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir, and white pine.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, nearly 31 percent of households displayed a real Christmas tree, while 49 percent displayed an artificial tree. Twenty-one percent had no tree. Two percent said they had both a real tree and an artificial tree.
How To Buy A Christmas Tree
Buy a fresh Christmas tree. Pull on the branches to check for loose needles. If the needles are already falling off, the tree is too dry and should not be purchased. You should be able to roll the needles into a ball that will spring back once they are released.
Once a tree is selected, leave it outside until it is time to decorate it. It is a good idea to trim at least a one-inch piece from the bottom of the tree after purchase. This increases the tree's ability to absorb water. Be sure the tree is securely fastened in a sturdy holder filled with water for about 24 hours.
During the period of time that your tree is indoors, water it regularly. Do not locate the tree in an area where it will be subjected to intense heat, such as near a wood stove or heater. Be careful not to block exit paths and doorways with the tree.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
- Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor
lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor
use. Make sure your lights carry certification from
a testing laboratory.
- Don't use electric lights on a metal tree.
- Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or
broken. Christmas lights are cheap.
- Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or
go to bed.
- Don't buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles.
To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a
branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles
should fall off.
- Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water,
and don't let it run out.
- If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand
more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Of if
your tree stand is cheap, buy a larger, stronger one.
- If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is
fire-retardant.
- Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces,
radiators and fireplaces. Try to position it near
an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
- When Christmas is over or when the tree starts
to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in
your house or put it in your garage.
- Keep a close eye on small children when they are
around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments
are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.
- When you are entertaining guests in your home who
smoke, provide large ash trays and check for cigarettes
in upholstered furniture before going to bed. Cigarette
fires are still the leading cause of fire fatalities
in the home.
- Christmas lights whether they are indoor or outdoor
should always be turned off when no one is home or
whenever everyone has retired for the evening.
- Never use candles or any open flame devices on Christmas trees.