Green Horizons

For members of the Missouri Christmas Tree Producers Association (MCTPA), thoughts turn to preparing for harvest and hopefully, a rush of happy customers.

The association includes members representing 65 tree farms across Missouri. The focus is member information and education, highlighted by an annual meeting in June and in January to exchange ideas about pest control, marketing and tree farm maintenance.

Members of the Missouri Christmas Tree Producers Association share tips for shearing and managing trees.

Steve Meier, association president, said the benefits to members extend beyond producers' immediate area. "We're able to network with each other often, and if a crop problem is discovered, the members contact the entire association and we all start watching for it across the state."

Another component of the association is to dispel ideas toward fresh holiday trees that could turn buyers away. For example, some consumers purchase artificial trees for fear of fresh trees catching fire in the home.

According to Meier, a fresh tree will maintain its quality in your home for up to three months if well watered and maintained.

"Contrary to popular belief, it's almost impossible to catch a real tree on fire," he said. "Proper preparation of the stump and maintaining the water level are the keys to a beautiful, long lasting tree without risk of fire."

The two most common types of trees grown at Missouri farms are Scotch and white pine. While Scotch is the most prevalent type, white pine is suggested for people who have allergies.

"The pollen content of white pine is unlike the others, and is well-tolerated by people sensitive to pollen," Meier said.

One of the most important attributes of selecting a tree is the "Christmas aroma" that fills a room. Meier suggests purchasing a Virginia pine or a fir for the best aroma. The Frazier fir, grown in the northern portion of Missouri, is also an excellent choice for the holiday scent.

Members of the association also take a role in environmentally-friendly disposal of trees. They are encouraged to provide tree bags for customers, which can be easily pulled up and over the tree at the end of the holiday season with little needle shedding. Many cities have designated recycling plans for the trees, including mulch for parks and walking paths.

"There's nothing like the freshness and aroma of a real tree, especially if you go to a tree farm and have it cut just for you," Meier said. "Purchasing fresh trees is also beneficial to the environment and to Missouri farmers."

Meier said the number of Christmas tree farms in Missouri is increasing, but despite the list of benefits to association members -- including information about estate planning, taxation and new technology for improving tree farm production -- membership in the association is declining.

"This trend has been happening for about the last ten to twelve years," he said. "There are growers out there who are missing the opportunity to try new techniques first-hand and learn about innovations in the industry."

For tree maintenance tips and more information about MCTPA, visit www.missourichristmastrees.org; or email Steve Meier at meierhsp@netscape.net.