’Tis the season for Christmas tree selection and Georgia has an abundance of live trees to offer.
Choose-and-cut or pre-cut trees are available throughout the state and the Georgia Forestry
Commission maintains a list of growers who sell a variety of species: GA Christmas tree Directory.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, more Americans chose real trees over artificial
trees in 2017, at 27.4 million and 21.1 million, respectively. The average price was $75 for a real tree vs.
$107 for an artificial tree. While personal preference ultimately determines the type of tree purchased, there
are many reasons to select a live tree, along with tips for keeping that tree healthy and safe.

 Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain nonbiodegradable
plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead.
 Supporting local growers is good for the economy.
 Leyland Cypress, white pine and Virginia pine are among the most popular
Christmas tree varieties grown in Georgia.
 Choose a symmetrical tree with a straight main stem for optimal stability.
 Cut one to two inches off the bottom of a pre-cut or choose-and-cut tree to enhance
water intake.
 For live balled-in-burlap or potted trees that can be planted later, always keep the
root ball moist.
 Limit the tree’s time in the house and transplant by March.
 Read Tree planting guidelines from the Georgia Forestry Commission.

When the holiday season is over, cut trees should be recycled. Keep Georgia Beautiful and its
partners sponsor the “Bring One for the Chipper” program, which produces mulch for playgrounds, local
government beautification projects, and individual yards. Learn more here: Keep Georgia Beautiful.
The Georgia Forestry Commission is the state agency that provides leadership, service and
education in the protection and conservation of Georgia’s forest resources. Learn more about our services
at GaTrees.org.