NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/760935
72 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2016 C hristmas trees are a tradition for many Nebraska families. The look, the smell, the warmth their lights provide on the most frigid of December evenings – it is easy to appreciate why trees are often the focal point of holiday celebrations. However, when it comes to choosing the perfect centerpiece, not all Christmas trees are created equal. Which is Better – An Artificial or Natural Christmas Tree? One approach to answering this question was undertaken by the Canadian sustainability firm, Ellio. Its analysis – at least in regards to the science – showed that "the natural tree is a better option than the artificial tree, in particular with respect to impacts on climate change and resource depletion. Natural tree production has positive impacts on climate change because natural trees sequester CO2." In all fairness to the authors and the report, they noted that if you kept and used your artificial tree for more than 20 years, the artificial tree was a more sustainable option. A more obvious reason to go natural is the support it provides for Nebraska businesses. If you are interested in local products and sustainable forest management, "choose and cut" tree farms are a one-stop shop. The first "choose and cut" tree farm was established in Lincoln by the late Walt Bagley and his wife Virginia in 1963. Since then, many operations have evolved into certified, sustainably managed businesses. For example, Christmas tree producers carrying an American Tree Farm System certification must demonstrate that they manage their lands "to protect wildlife habitat and watersheds, to conserve soil and to provide recreation for their communities." So artificial or natural? I will let you decide. Which Species Makes the Best Christmas Tree? Historically, choice and selection of trees was a regional matter. Not long ago one could guess what part of the country a person was from just by asking what species of Christmas tree they preferred. Folks from the Northeast tended to prefer balsam fir, with white pine running a close second. Folks in the Lake States also liked balsam fir, but red (Norway) and Scotch pine were runners-up. Moving westward you would find Fraser and Douglas firs as top picks, but Colorado blue spruce was also popular. Today it is very likely you could find all of these trees for sale in Nebraska. But which species makes the best Christmas tree? Here are a few things to consider. First and foremost, how important is smell to you? The firs, and, to a lesser extent, the pine trees, have a strong and pleasant aroma that most people enjoy. Spruces also tend to have a strong fragrance, but many folks do not find it as pleasant as the firs or pines. What about ornaments? Each year my wife and I purchase ceramic ornaments that are special to us and our family. These ornaments tend to be fairly large and heavy, and we like them to be prominently displayed. This means we need a tree with short needles and relatively strong branches. Firs and spruces are great options as pines will often bend and droop under the weight of heavier ornaments. Another issue for most folks is needle retention and needle dryness (whether the tree is fire prone). Based on a study done by Dr. Les Werner at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, Fraser firs consistently ranked the highest in all of their tests (measuring water uptake, sap flow and needle retention). Based on the data collected, this study ranked these species in the following order: • Fraser fir • balsam fir • Scotch pine • Black Hills spruce (white spruce variant) Where Can I Find a "Choose and Cut" Christmas Tree Producer? Overall, there has been a pretty dramatic decline in the number of businesses that are still in operation. Around 20 farms can be found in eastern and central Nebraska, down from 50 in the late 70s. An updated list is kept by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, which includes driving directions, when the farms are open, and what types of trees are available. For a list of Nebraska tree farms, visit http://bit.ly/christmastreesne. ■ Sprucing Up a Holiday Tradition By John Duplissis, Nebraska Forest Service Not all Christmas trees are created equal. ma bu Fo Ch tr ca A T S c Pine trees have an aroma that most people enjoy, making them a popular choice for Christmas trees and other décor during the holidays. PHOTO BY JUSTIN HAAG