YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Choosing your Texas Christmas tree

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

A live Christmas tree is a holiday centerpiece for many Texas families.

There is likely a Christmas tree farm near you.

According to the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, there are 175 Christmas tree farms in Texas producing some 200,000 trees annually on about 2,500 acres statewide.

Growers are expecting another good year for live tree sales.

The price for a tree could be a bit higher this year. Fertilizer costs doubled, and crop protection chemicals were up at least 15%. And because of drought, irrigation expenses were higher.

The most widely-grown live Christmas tree species in Texas are the Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, Afghan pine and Arizona cypress.

Officials say the best-selling and most popular live Christmas tree species is the Virginia pine, because it grows well throughout the state.

It’s best to shop early for your live tree.

Those waiting until the second or third week in December may encounter a limited selection of sizes on some farms.

Proper water and maintenance will ensure the tree is enjoyed through Christmas.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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