The history of Christmas tree farms is a relatively short one, but it is a fascinating story of innovation and sustainability. The first Christmas tree farm was established in 1901 by W.V. McGalliard in New Jersey. McGalliard planted 25,000 Norway spruce seedlings on his farm, and within a few years, he was selling trees to customers from all over the state.
The practice of Christmas tree farming quickly caught on, and by the 1930s, there were Christmas tree farms all over the United States. However, most people still obtained their trees from forests until the 1940s. This was due in part to the fact that Christmas tree farms were relatively new, and they did not yet have the same level of quality as trees that were harvested from forests.
After World War II, the Christmas tree farming industry began to grow rapidly. This was due in part to the fact that there was a growing demand for real Christmas trees, and in part to the fact that Christmas tree farming was a relatively profitable business. By the 1950s, Christmas tree farms were a common sight in rural areas all over the United States.
Today, there are more than 1 million acres of Christmas trees planted in the United States. The vast majority of these trees are grown on farms, and only a small percentage are harvested from forests. Christmas tree farming is a sustainable industry, and it is a major source of income for many farmers.
In addition to being a sustainable industry, Christmas tree farms also provide a number of other benefits. They help to conserve forests, they provide a place for people to enjoy the outdoors, and they create jobs in rural areas. Christmas tree farms are an important part of the American Christmas tradition, and they are likely to continue to be popular for many years to come.
Here are some fun facts about Christmas tree farms:
The most popular type of Christmas tree in the United States is the Fraser fir.
The average Christmas tree farm has about 2,000 trees.
Christmas tree farms are open for business for about 6 weeks each year.
In the United States, about 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold each year.
Christmas tree farming is a $1.2 billion industry in the United States.
Here are some tips for choosing a Christmas tree from a farm:
Look for a tree that is the right size for your home.
Choose a tree that is symmetrical and has a full, uniform shape.
Make sure the tree is fresh by checking the needles. The needles should be green and pliable.
Avoid trees that have any brown needles or signs of pests or diseases.
Enjoy your Christmas tree from a farm!
