Md. Dept. of Agriculture Lights 19-foot Christmas tree, encourages residents to buy local

ANNAPOLIS, MD – In an annual tradition, Maryland Department of Agriculture is showcasing a beautiful 19-foot white pine grown and donated by Deer Creek Valley Tree Farm in Harford County at its headquarters in Annapolis. The promotion celebrates the holiday season and encourages Marylanders to buy fresh, locally-grown trees this holiday season.

“Christmas trees are an important part of Maryland agriculture,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “Visiting a local tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree is not only a great way to support Maryland farmers, but a fun way to spend time with family around the holidays, as well. I encourage every Marylander to celebrate this holiday season with a real, fresh Christmas tree from a locally owned farm.”

For the fifth consecutive year, the tree was donated by Bob and Wilma Muir. The Muirs own Deer Creek Valley Tree Farm in Street, Md., and are active members of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association, an association of growers and retailers with about 100 members across the state.

In addition to their aesthetic qualities, Christmas trees are an important renewable, recyclable resource. Where artificial trees eventually end up in landfills, real trees can be chipped into mulch that will return important nutrients to the earth. While they grow, real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit fresh oxygen, whereas most artificial trees are made out of non-sustainable petroleum-based materials. When growing in open space, a 3-inch diameter Douglas-fir tree can reduce atmospheric carbon by 23 pounds and intercept 102 gallons of storm water runoff per year.

“Beyond their seasonal consumer appeal, local tree farms play a vital role in resource conservation,” said Secretary Bartenfelder. “The trees grown on Maryland farms help stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide wildlife habitats.”

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture for Maryland, there are more than 170 Christmas tree growers in the state with nearly 2,200 acres in production. In Maryland, Carroll County has the greatest number of cut Christmas tree farms with 20. Anne Arundel, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, and Montgomery round out the top six counties for Christmas tree production. There are about 15,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S., and more than 100,000 people employed full or part time in the industry. Tree planting, shearing and mowing can take up to 65 hours a week, 52 weeks a year.

Visit the Maryland’s Best website to find a Christmas tree farm near you,.  For environmental benefits, myths versus facts about Christmas trees, how to care for your farm-grown fresh Christmas tree, or about Christmas tree varieties grown in Maryland, and the Maryland Christmas Tree Association’s Choose and Cut Farm Directory, visit the Maryland Christmas Tree Association. Click here for MDA’s Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Fresh, Locally Grown Christmas Tree.

After Christmas, check with your county about its tree recycling programs. For other recycling tips, see http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/AllAboutTrees/HowtoRecycle.aspx

For additional photos, visit the MDA Flickr Album.

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