ATHENS, Ala. — If you're looking for a live Christmas tree this year, you're in luck.
Despite the drought conditions here in Alabama, one local farmer says they had a pretty good growing season and in fact, the drier weather is actually preferred. "A lot of the trees that we use on the cuttings come from trees that have been through those conditions before," Sam George with Trim-A-Tree in Athens shares. "So, kind of genetically over time, we've got them to where, you know, they're pretty immune to about anything you can throw at them.
George says while some may consider drought as a challenge, there are other conditions to be concerned about. "Some of the tougher conditions we actually have are, you know, really, really wet springs, when the ground gets really wet, they're kind of more susceptible to get fungus and all sorts of diseases. So, I personally prefer having a drier year because we can kind of control that we have water tanks that we can put on our equipment to handle that situation but for the most part, once it truly gets past 2 to 3 years old, it's pretty immune to anything you can throw at it."
Rob Hunt with High Country Trees shares while the drier conditions are easily manageable, the rain is still needed. "The drought can definitely affect the trees because, you know, number of the transplants the year you'd plant them. You've got to have adequate rainfall for them to survive and so that's the most critical year for rain is when you are setting them and so if you have a big loss that year, you know, it affects you down the road on the numbers that are available for harvest eight years later."
Both share that the after care for a tree is just as important and keeping it watered and away from heating sources is recommended.
High Country Tree will kick off their 39th year on November 23. More details can be found on their website.
Trim-A-Tree will open Black Friday and details on times can be found on their Facebook page.
After Care Tips:
1. Choose a Fresh Tree
Select a tree with vibrant, green needles that don’t fall off easily when you brush or gently tug them. A fresh tree lasts longer and holds its needles better.
2. Cut the Trunk
Before placing the tree in its stand, cut about 1-2 inches off the trunk’s bottom to remove sap buildup and help the tree absorb water effectively.
3. Use Plenty of Water
Fill the tree stand with water immediately after placing the tree. Keep the stand filled with water daily to prevent the base from drying out, which can block water absorption.
4. Keep Away from Heat
Position the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, or direct sunlight. Excessive heat can dry out the tree faster and make it a fire hazard.
5. Monitor Daily
Check the water level daily to ensure it never drops below the trunk base. A tree can absorb up to a gallon of water in the first few days.