From a tiny seedling in the soil to the spot of honor in your living room, your Christmas tree’s journey was likely shaped by the work of a land-grant university.
Through research and Extension, land-grant university (LGU) experts help farmers raise healthy trees. From discovering best planting and management practices, to providing advice about additional income opportunities through agritourism, LGUs support producer profitability and resilience. For consumers, Extension experts share tips for selecting, purchasing, and caring for a live tree. Together, land-grant universities support a beloved holiday tradition, and help connect science, farms, and families year after year.
Why you might be a tourist this holiday season
Purdue Extension
Agritourism can be defined as farms that welcome visitors to engage in agriculture-related activities. Purdue Extension helps give Christmas tree farmers the tools they need to successfully, and safely, invite customers to their property.
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Photo courtesy of Oregon State University.
Oregon maintains top Christmas tree producer title by adapting
Oregon State University Extension Service
As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the cost to maintain a healthy crop of Christmas trees is rising. Experts at Oregon State are studying how to keep Oregon’s holiday industry thriving as the climate changes.
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Photo courtesy of Michigan State University.
What to know about choosing a natural Christmas tree
MSU Extension
Ask the expert: Bill Lindberg, a Christmas tree educator with Michigan State University, shares industry updates, pricing, and tips to help care for your tree.
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Research improves Christmas tree production in Connecticut
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Two or three Christmas trees are planted for every one that is harvested. This implies that only 33% to 50% of planted trees survive to become salable. UConn researchers want to solve that problem.
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Photo courtesy of North Carolina State University.
A gift that keeps on giving
NC State College of Natural Resources
Thanks to more than four decades of research by geneticists in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry is poised to thrive for many future generations.
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Photo courtesy of Washington State University.
Exploring the scents that drive Christmas tree appeal
Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
Surveys by industry groups have found that aroma is an important consideration among buyers of real trees. WSU researchers assessed volunteers’ perceptions and preferences of six different tree species to help drive future commercial breeding and planting decisions.
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