12/16/13 - While most families have already put up their Christmas tree for the season, there are always the procrastinators among us and a locally based trade group is urging them to save the best for last and get a live tree.
Marsha Gray is the Executive Director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, which is based in Howell, and says strictly from a financial standpoint, live Christmas trees are a very real benefit to local and state economies with approximately $50 million in sales on three million trees harvested in Michigan. "Probably about two-thirds of those will leave the state, so it's really an income generator for the state. Not only are we selling here locally to our neighbors and friends, we are shipping trees all across the country." Gray says there are also environmental benefits, pointing out that most artificial trees require great amounts of energy to produce and ship, usually from overseas, and typically are only used for five to six years before ending up in a landfill. "While it's growing it's providing oxygen, preventing soil erosion. It's a wonderful wildlife habitat, and then after you've had your Christmas tree for the season, no matter where it ends up, it's completely biodegradable." A list of Michigan Christmas tree lots, including pre-cut as well as cut-your-own locations, is on the Michigan Christmas Tree Association's website, a link for which is posted below. (JK)
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