Join the Celebration of December, Virginia Christmas Tree Month

 

 

 

Governor Timothy M. Kaine has proclaimed December Virginia Christmas Tree Month and in his proclamation, has invited all Virginians to celebrate this special occasion. 

 

            Todd P. Haymore, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) observed, “There are numerous reasons to celebrate Virginia Christmas trees including economic, environmental and aesthetic.  But probably the most important reason is family tradition.  Since the 1840s, when they were first introduced in Williamsburg, fresh, fragrant, locally grown Christmas trees have been the traditional centerpiece of the holiday season for families across the Commonwealth.  As so many Virginians can attest, this is a tradition well worth continuing.”

 

            As Virginians enjoy their holiday greenery, they may not realize what a substantial  contribution Christmas trees make to the state.  Experts estimate that every year Virginia growers sell up to two million Christmas trees, with a wholesale value of $20-40 million.  Including the added value of the foliage for wreaths and garland, the contribution to the Virginia economy totals up to $50 million.  

 

            The environment also benefits from Virginia Christmas trees.  As they grow, they provide an excellent wildlife habitat and help prevent erosion; after use, they enrich the soil as they decay.  Virginia Christmas trees contribute to a healthy environment, with each acre of trees providing the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.  Real Virginia Christmas trees are a renewable resource and for every one harvested, two to three seedlings are planted in its place.

 

            Christmas trees are a valuable and aesthetically pleasing addition to the land and can be planted on barren slopes and difficult spots where other crops will not grow.  Because of Virginia’s good climate and fertile soil, farmers here can grow a wide variety of Christmas trees including white and Scotch pines, Norway and Colorado blue spruces as well as Douglas, Fraser, Concolor and Canaan firs.  Locally grown Virginia Christmas trees are the freshest available and will stay beautiful longer than trees brought in from other states.

 

            To help you find your own Virginia grown Christmas tree, VDACS has compiled the 2008 Virginia Grown Guide to Choose-and-Cut, Fresh-Cut and Live Christmas Trees, available online at www.virginiagrown.com.  Also find information at the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association’s Web site at www.virginiachristmastrees.org . 

Date Published: 2008-12-03 04:27:08

Section: Consumer Information,