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Real Christmas Trees Are Good for the Economy, Environment

Wisconsin Ag Connection - The state's largest farm organization is sending a message to consumers who are thinking about purchasing a real Christmas tree this holiday season. Sarah Hetke, who serves as the communications director for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, says buying a real tree is a great way for people to support the local economy and the environment.

"With consumers showing a desire to support local businesses, the tradition of celebrating Christmas with a real tree is a great option to support Wisconsin tree growers," Hetke said. "In light of the pandemic, a recent survey indicated that 21 percent of respondents who put up an artificial tree in 2019 indicated that they will put up a real tree in 2020."

Dean Lemke of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association says the state has more than 850 Christmas tree farms, which means there are plenty of trees available.

"Now is the perfect time for families to venture out to get a real Christmas tree, the milder weather makes it even easier to take a trip to a tree farm or retail Christmas tree lot," Lemke noted.

He adds that the sale of Christmas trees and wreaths generates more than $16 million for Wisconsin's economy and employ thousands of residents in the industry.

Wisconsin ranks fifth in the nation for the number of Christmas trees harvested, behind the states of Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

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