GOVERNOR, FIRST LADY O’MALLEY CUT FRESH, LOCAL CHRISTMAS TREE FOR FIRST FAMILY

GERMANTOWN, MD (December 5, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley, First Lady Katie O’Malley and their children today kicked off their family holiday festivities by visiting Butler’s Orchard, a 300-acre Montgomery County family farm and cutting their own fresh, local Christmas tree.

“Buying local trees for the holidays not only keeps Maryland smart, green and growing, but most importantly, keeps our families employed and preserves jobs in our State,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Buying locally positively impacts the local economy, the health of our environment, and the spirits of those who enjoy the sight and smell of a fresh tree this time of year.  I encourage all Marylanders to buy their Christmas tree from a locally owned farm.”

Maryland boasts more than 200 tree farms statewide with nearly 3,000 acres in active production.  According to the Census of Agriculture, Maryland Christmas tree growers harvested 77,800 trees in 2007 valued at $2.4 million.

The O’Malley family chose from a selection of Canaan firs and Douglas-firs. A commonly-grown Christmas tree species, the Canaan is a slightly tapered, full tree with green needles that have silvery blue accents underneath.  The Canaan fir is considered one of the best short-needled Christmas trees for freshness and needle retention.   The branches are thick and sturdy, but still leave enough room to hang ornaments and lights closer to the center of the tree.  According to The Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr), the Douglas-fir, introduced into the United States in 1827, was at one time the most important lumber producing tree in the United States. The Douglas-fir, one of the most noble forest trees, is also one of the best short-needled Christmas trees because needles do not easily fall off.

The O’Malleys are one of thousands of families who will venture out to find the perfect Maryland tree this year.  Not only do real trees look and smell beautiful, they are also a renewable, recyclable resource that keep unwanted waste out of our landfills and are good for the environment.  While they’re growing, real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit fresh oxygen, unlike artificial trees which are petroleum-based. When growing in open space, a 3” in diameter Douglas-fir tree can reduce atmospheric carbon by 23 pounds and intercept 102 gallons of storm water runoff per year.

Maryland farmers offer some of the freshest Christmas trees available, which come in several unique varieties.  While the Fraser Fir is a popular choice, there are many additional varieties grown throughout the state. According to the Maryland Christmas Tree Association, the Canaan is similarly beautiful as the Fraser Fir and grown more easily and in more locations throughout the state. Additional Christmas trees varieties grown in Maryland include:  Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Blue Spruce.

“Maryland farmers work year-round to provide customers with high-quality, fresh, fragrant Christmas trees for the holiday season,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “Visiting a local farm to find the perfect Christmas tree is a great family activity and a fun way to spend an afternoon. Many Maryland farms have additional activities as well, such as sleigh rides and visits with Santa.”

Butler’s Orchard is a 300-acre family farm in operation for nearly 60 years in Montgomery County.   The Butlers grow more than 25 kinds of fruits, vegetables and flowers on over 300 acres.  A member of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association, Butler’s Orchard grows nearly 3,000 carefully pruned Douglas-fir, Canaan firs and White Pines for families to cut their own Christmas trees. Additionally, the farm offers a large Farm Market and a variety of agritourism activities including a pumpkin festival and pick-your-own produce and flowers.  www.ButlersOrchard.com

To find more information on the seasonal bounty offered by Maryland’s farms, as well as a listing of local Christmas tree farms, visit www.marylandsbest.net. For environmental benefits and the top 10 Myths vs. Facts about Christmas Trees, visit: www.christmastree.org/myths.cfm. To learn more about how to care for your farm-grown fresh Christmas tree, or about Christmas tree varieties grown in Maryland, visit: www.marylandchristmastrees.org/treevarieties.html.   To learn more about Christmas trees, visit: http://www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/christmastreefacts.pdf.