Bert Cregg is an associate professor of horticulture and forestry at MSU. He’s an expert on real Michigan Christmas trees. Cregg says the Christmas tree industry is an important part of Michigan’s economy.
“Michigan is one of the major Christmas tree-producing states in the country, typically we rank about third, both in terms of the number of trees produced each year and as well as the acreage in production,” says Cregg. He says Michigan produces about 2 million trees annually.
Cregg allays concerns spreading around that there may be a shortage of real trees in Michigan this Christmas. And he talks about the research he and his colleagues conduct to improve Michigan Christmas trees.
The Michigan Christmas Tree Association provides leadership that promotes and enhances Michigan's farm grown Christmas tree industry through research and education. He says this year’s theme is: It’s Christmas; Keep it Real.
Cregg says the tap and pull tests are ways to make sure you’re getting a fresh tree. And he adds that keeping your tree well hydrated with only water is the key to keeping it fresh throughout the holidays. And he emphasizes that it’s important to properly dispose of your tree after the holidays, too, so it doesn’t end up in a landfill.
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