Live Christmas trees have been brought into homes and decorated for the holidays for hundreds of years. Live trees have a fragrance and tradition that cannot be matched to its artificial substitutes.

Christmas trees of various species are grown in all 50 states, with the top producers being, Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin,Pennsylvania, California and North Carolina. It takes 5 to 12 years to grow a tree to retail height and for every tree harvested, two or three seedlings are planted. And the good news, real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Consumers can find the nearest recycling program by calling 1-800-CLEANUP.

There are approximately 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S.; 5000 of which are choose and cut farms. They employ over 100,000 people in full and part-time positions. It can take up to 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height (6 - 7 feet) or as little as 4 years; with the average being 7 years.

Some people consider the selection of the holiday tree one of the most important decisions to be made in their holiday planning. Trying to find a tree that will endure throughout the holidays is not an easy task.

The top-selling trees are the Scotch pine, Douglas-fir, Eastern White Pine, Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir.

Really Cool On-Line Christmas Shops

Christmas Present's Holiday Shop

Things Past and Present

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