Wednesday, December 5, 2001

Buy a Georgia-grown Christmas tree this season

Tis the season for Christmas tree shopping. The Georgia Forestry Commission again this year is encouraging folks to buy fresh, locally grown Christmas trees.

There is nothing more pleasing to the nose and the heart than a fresh-cut Christmas tree. A family outing to look for that perfect tree is a tradition that has come back to area families. It is a chance for the family to do something together as it heightens the Christmas spirit.

Area choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in your area are prepared to offer fresh, well-shaped trees, including Leyland cypress, Eastern white pine, Virginia pine and red cedars.

Safety precautions need to be taken before bringing a live tree into your home. Try to remove as many dead needles from the tree as possible. Check out electrical lights before placing them on the tree, for frayed wires or poor connections. Be sure that the tree has plenty of water daily and be sure not to place the tree near sources of heat, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, and electric and gas heaters.

An updated directory of area Christmas tree farms, including name, address, phone number, hours of business and species offered, is available on the Georgia Forestry Commission's Web site at www.gfc.state.ga.us/pdfdocs/management/Christmas_Tree_Vendors_2000.pdf . You may also contact your local Forestry Commission office at 770-254-7218.

Back to Home & Garden Home Page | Back to the top of the page