As Mississippians get ready to put up their Christmas trees, the state’s Department of Agriculture and Commerce is urging folks to shop local when trying to find the perfect holiday pine.
Commissioner Andy Gipson and his staff have launched a website for people to find a complete list of nearly 30 Christmas tree farms across the state. The page also includes information on the variety of trees grown in Mississippi and tips on how to care for real trees.
“The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has made it easy to find the perfect, real Christmas tree this year,” Gipson said. “Visiting a local Christmas tree farm provides a festive experience where you can start a family tradition and create lifelong memories.”
In addition to making memories through a trip to a local Christmas tree farm, Gipson reminded people of the economic benefits of buying a real tree as opposed to a fake one.
“By getting a real, Mississippi-grown tree, you’re also supporting Mississippi farmers, as well as the local and state economies,” he said. “So, find a Christmas tree farm near you by visiting our website and make lasting memories with your loved ones.”
Every year, Mississippi’s Christmas tree farms grow thousands of trees – from Leyland cypress to Eastern redcedar – with the goal of harvesting. According to The Nature Conservancy, for every tree purchased, farmers plant one to three seedlings in its place meaning healthier forests for generations to come.
With the bulk of Christmas tree farms set to open on or after Thanksgiving, the full list of places to purchase a Mississippi-grown fir can be found here.
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