University of Wisconsin - Extension

Wisconsin is number six in the nation in production of fresh Christmas trees. Since 1966, five of these Wisconsin trees have been "Champion Trees" selected for display in the Blue Room of the White House.

University of Wisconsin-Extension Racine County horticulture agent Patti Nagai said evergreens have been used as a symbol for the celebration of life for hundreds of years. In many cultures, evergreens represent everlasting life, which may be how they came to evolve as part of the holiday season celebration. "In many families, the Christmas tree is a strong tradition, and just the fragrance of a fresh tree can evoke happy childhood memories," she said.

Nagai said that, in 2001, nearly 28 million trees were sold in North America for the holiday display, and more than a million acres are in Christmas tree production. The Christmas tree crop is good for the environment, too.

"Each acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people, so Christmas trees nationwide make enough oxygen for over 18 million people, Nagai explained. "For every tree that is cut down, two to three are planted. Christmas trees are recyclable - their boughs make wonderful protective covering for many of our tender plants and if chipped and shredded, they make beautiful mulch."

Several varieties of Christmas trees are grown in Wisconsin. People choose their favorites based on their preferences about height, width, shape, fragrance, sturdy boughs, softness or color. Some choices to consider are:

Balsam Firs are fragrant and have sturdy boughs and soft, green needles 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long.

Douglas Firs, not true firs, have soft dark green to blue-green needles 1 to 1-1/2 inches long. Crushing the needles releases fragrance.

Fraser Firs have fragrant, sturdy boughs with soft, silvery needles underneath. Needles are 1/2 to 1 inch long and long-lasting.

Scotch (or Scots) Pines are bushy, sturdy, full trees with 1 to 3 inch stiff needles, bright green to blue-green in color. The tree holds needles well even when dry.

Eastern White Pine is native to Wisconsin and has moderately strong boughs and soft, long 2 1/2 to 5 inch needles. It is blue green with touch of white color.

Spruce is another native Wisconsin tree with strong boughs and stiff, prickly needles.

White Spruce, also native, has strong boughs and stiff, prickly needles, blue-green in color.