Choose Local Christmas Trees This Holiday Season

Support Wisconsin’s economic and environmental sustainability by choosing locally grown Christmas trees this holiday season.

“When supporting local, whether its Christmas tree growers or anything else this holiday season, your hard-earned money stays in your community,” said Krista Peterson.

Peterson manages Inspiration Acres in Slinger with her sister Kara Kasten-Olson.

The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says over 800 tree farms in Wisconsin contribute $50 million in sales. In addition to being economically sustainable for local and state economies, supporting local is also environmentally sustainable.

“When you think about sustainability and benefits to the environment, local trees don’t have to be hauled as far, they’re fresh,” said Peterson. “You have the option to know that you are supporting the Wisconsin economy from that perspective as well.”

Benefits Of A Real Tree

• The trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases, and in turn, the trees emit oxygen.
• For every real Christmas tree harvested, two or three seedlings are planted.
• Tree farms serve as great habitats for wildlife to live.
• After Christmas, trees can be recycled into mulch to be used on trails or gardens. Growers use the mulch around seedlings to preserve moisture and reduce weed competition. Some recycled cut trees are used as soil erosion barriers or wildlife habitats.
• Beyond the economy and environment, choosing a real Christmas tree also strengthens community ties.

“If you look at all the things you can support from a local perspective, it’s not only your décor, it’s the food you put on your table when you gather around at Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s the unique artisans here in our state,” said Peterson. “There are so many wonderful “buy local” and community projects that can be supported.”

Want to have your own family experience at a Wisconsin Christmas tree farm? Use the interactive map ‘Find a Real Tree’ on the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association’s website: https://www.christmastrees-wi.org/map/