It may be over the river or through the woods, but more likely it's straight out into the farm fields for Minnesotans seeking to cut their own Christmas trees from what could be a more fragrant-than-usual crop this year.
Do-it-yourselfers have 55 tree farms and lots to pick from, according to the 2010 Minnesota Grown Directory (www.minnesotagrown.com.) Other farms can be found through the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association or local advertising.
HOW'S THE TREE CROP?
This year's is better than usual, said grower Jan Donelson of Clear Lake. Consistent rain across much of Minnesota in 2010 means that trees have more moisture than usual. That makes them heavier to hoist, she said, but it also means they're more fragrant and will hold up better indoors if watered correctly.
REAL DEAL: WE'RE NO. 10
Minnesota has 250 to 400 tree farmers, said Donelson, who is also executive director of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association. The state ranks 10th in tree production, according to a national trade group. Oregon ranks first.
FAKE FIRS CATCHING UP
Nationally, up to 30 million trees are cut and sold each year. The numbers have dropped steadily in the past two decades. Sales of artificial trees have doubled in the past five years to 17.4 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
TO CUT, CLICK HERE
Target began selling trees online last week for the first time, competing with Costco. Target is working with a grower in North Carolina, but some Minnesota tree farmers are also starting to market trees online.
OR GET A LITTLE WILD?
If you really WANT to go through the woods, wild trees can be cut from the state's two national forests. The maximum is five from Chippewa and two from Superior. A $5 tag is required in advance for each tree.
NEEDLE-IMPAIRED?
The more common holiday trees grown in Minnesota are firs (balsam, Canaan and Fraser), pines (Norway, Scotch and white) and spruce (Colorado, Norway and white). Descriptions and photos are online at the state Christmas tree group's website at www.mncta.com.
