November 25, 2002
Nebraska-Grown Christmas Trees Fresh Despite Drought
LINCOLN, Neb. — Despite the summer's drought, Nebraska's Christmas tree crop is in good shape, but seedlings may not be as lucky, a University of Nebraska forester said.
The drought's effects on seedlings is indicated by low normal survival and growth, said Dennis Adams, a Nebraska Forest Service forester in NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Like all trees planted this year, evergreen seedlings show signs of Nebraska's lack of moisture. Even next year's Christmas trees, particularly young trees, may be stunted, Adams said.
"All of Nebraska's trees experienced stress symptoms due to the severe drought, but the rains in September and October really helped to re-hydrate (the more mature trees)," Adams said.
Seedlings do not recover from drought because they are not yet established and have recently gone through shock due to loss of roots and transplant. Established trees have a stronger, deeper root system that allows them to access water and nutrients.
To ensure a fresh Christmas tree, buyers need to be aware of a fresh tree's characteristics.
"Freshness is the key to selecting a good tree," Adams said. "Checking for freshness before you purchase a Christmas tree is important in preventing disappointment or a potential fire hazard."
Homeowners need to be vigilant in their Christmas tree selection, said Doak Nickerson, district forester at NU's Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Scottsbluff.
"Performing the fresh test on a tree is crucial before making a selection," Nickerson said. "The needles should bend and be flexible. Christmas trees that are shedding their needles or have needles that break easily when bent should be avoided."
Homeowners also need to be aware of how much water the tree is taking up, he said.
"If the water level is not going down, a fresh cut to the base of the tree needs to be made," Nickerson said.
Adams said buying Nebraska-grown Christmas tree ensures freshness and supports the local economy.
"A tree that is bought fresh and kept watered will remain beautiful and maintain the Christmas tree aroma all through the holiday season," Adams said.
Most Nebraska Christmas tree growers open just after Thanksgiving. To locate a Christmas tree farm, contact a local Cooperative Extension office or Natural Resource District.
11/25/02-CM
Dennis Adams
School of Natural Resource Sciences
Rural Forestry Program leader Nebraska Forest Service
(402)472-5822
Doak Nickerson
Nebraska Forest Service
District and Extension Forester
(308) 632-1238
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: School of Natural Resource Sciences
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