Posted: 11.22.2010

Don't become too alarmed - there will be plenty of Real Wisconsin Christmas trees to pick from - but frost back in May has done some damage!

Jim Dohner of Christmas Treeland in Baraboo tells Pam Jahnke on her network radio show that the damage even surprised him!  "It affected the Balsam, just about across the upper Midwest - Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan - all got the late frost and any of the new growth on the trees was affected," according to Dohner.  That means Balsam specifically will be in shorter supply.

Dohner says the good news is the trees aren't a complete loss.  "Next year the trees will have enough new regrowth to cover up the frost damage - so we'll be able to harvest those trees next year but not this year."

Dohner said price-wise, he's like many Wisconsin Christmas tree growers - just trying to keep prices stable.  Despite the down turn in the economy - Dohner says his business has actually gotten stronger!  " Actually, the last two years our sales have increased,"  Dohner says, "People like to establish family traditions, and we've seen that more and more.  Sure they're selecting their trees - but I think its the holiday tradition they're beginning.  We've always said we're not selling trees we're selling a family experience."

Wisconsin Christmas tree growers will also be participating in the Trees for Troops campaign again this year.  Nationwide, 12,000-15,000 real Christmas trees will be gathered for distribution to families of troops serving in the military - and trees will also be sent to active duty military bases worldwide.

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