FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2001
Christmas Tree Farms Offer Refreshing Outing in Rural South Carolina
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks on America, time with family seems more important than ever. “The Christmas tree farms provide opportunities for family time,” said Tom Sawyer, President of the SC Christmas Tree Association. Taking the time to enjoy Christmas this year without the maddening rush of it all seems necessary --- even vital. “Taking a trip to a tree farm amounts to a break from the mall, long To Do list, and erratic drivers on congested highways,” said Amy Forrest, Marketing Specialist for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. “It’s a chance to breathe.”
Another primary reason that South Carolinians venture out to local Christmas tree farms is the high quality of the trees themselves. Locally grown Christmas trees are resilient and long lasting because they’re fresher. Christmas tree choices in South Carolina include, Leyland Cypress, White Pine, Virginia Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, and Carolina Sapphire. Many tree farms offer a wide selection of fresh cut Frasier firs, which can rarely be grown in South Carolina because they require a colder climate to grow well. Most farms also provide a variety of fresh wreaths and garland.
The busiest time for tree farms is usually from Thanksgiving day through the first week of December. A Christmas tree uses more than a gallon of water a day, so it’s important to keep it watered regularly. If your tree has been cut for more than one hour, re-cut at least on inch from the trunk before putting it in water. Keep the tree away from heat sources such as hot air ducts, radiators, fireplaces, and television sets. Remember that heat will dry your tree out. Also, placing your tree near open flame sources could create a fire hazard.
South Carolina Christmas trees is a crop that is constantly being renewed, while helping stabilize the soil and purify the water. “Christmas trees are not like some fruit and nut trees, which may produce bumper crops one year and sparse crops the next year,” said Dr. George Kessler a Clemson Extension forester. “Every year is a good Christmas tree year.”
For additional information regarding South Carolina Christmas tree farms, please contact the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association at (803) 892-3662 or check out the association’s web site .