This year’s abundant rainfall has led to a promising harvest for Christmas tree crops, according to experts.
MSU extension Christmas tree educator Bill Lindberg tells us the spring and early summer rains helped produce more healthier crops than last year.
“For most of Michigan, 2023 was a real challenging year because we had a drought in April and May,” Lindberg says. “So 2024 is just the opposite. We had a lot of rain early in the year, so again, those trees are able to keep growing and survive that early part of the year and do well.”
Despite the drought in September and October, Lindberg says most trees had already grown and reached their full potential by that time. So how can you find the right tree for you?
“First thing I would do is make sure you know your space you’re going to put your tree in,” Lindberg says. “Once you get your tree that you like, you know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so whatever one speaks to you, go ahead and pick that one. Once it’s harvested, make sure you give it plenty of water at home. Don’t let the water in the container, in the tank run out. We want to keep those trees healthy.”
Lindberg says if you’re getting a pre-cut tree, cut a half inch off the bottom and give it plenty of fresh water. He noted if you’re looking to harvest a tree this weekend, it should last throughout the Christmas season.
