There is nothing like the scent of a freshly cut evergreen at Christmas time.
Its unmistakable smell is one that many associate with holiday memories growing up. From the hunt for just the right tree to putting on the finishing touches of lights and precious ornaments, many of us take part in this annual tradition.

Not only does an Indiana grown Christmas tree bring the outdoors into your home, but buying from a tree farm in your community also supports the local economy!

On average, it takes more than seven years for a tree to reach market ready size. In Indiana, over 200 farms grow trees on as many as 2,500 acres, and the varieties range from white pine to Fraser fir to Concolor fir. Indiana Grown member Christmas tree farms have shared that there are seven varieties that grow well in Indiana, which means that the perfect tree is waiting for you to bring it home this holiday season!

Find a Christmas tree farm near you using our Indiana Grown Christmas Tree Map!

When you're out searching for the perfect tree this year, be sure to look for our Indiana Grown tree tags - like this one from ST. JOE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM in Fort Wayne!

Did you know that on average there are 2-3 seedlings planted for every tree harvested at an Indiana tree farm? Those seedlings result in the harvest of over 90,000 trees each year in Indiana, leading to many happy holidays to come! Not to mention the fact that one mature Christmas tree provides enough daily oxygen for over 18 people due to the tree's ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen back into the environment!

Participating Indiana Christmas tree growers also harvest trees to ship to troops in partnership with FEDEX and the CHRISTMAS SPIRIT FOUNDATION for the TREES FOR TROOPS program. They are currently preparing to send about 14,500 trees to 79 total military bases in November and December, allowing those troops to experience a little piece of Christmas no matter where they are stationed.

Soon trees will be delivered to the Indiana Statehouse, Governor, Lt. Governor and Indiana State Department of Agriculture offices from Indiana farm families across the state. Staff and farmers alike look forward to this holiday tradition!

Indiana Grown staff has enjoyed getting to know many of our Christmas tree farm members through our INDIANA GROWN ON THE ROAD visits. Click HERE to see an interview with Lucas Dull of DULL'S TREE FARM and HERE to check out our recent trip to PINEY ACRES FARM.

The type of Indiana grown Christmas tree you choose is up to you, but there are a few things to remember when bringing a fresh tree into your home:

• Know the height and width of the space you have reserved for your
  tree because trees seem smaller in the field, so measure before you go!
  
  
• Buy a tree that is not shedding needles when shaken or touched.
  If too many needles drop, you may want to make a different choice.
  
  
• Cut ½ inch off the base when you get home.
  
  
• Place the tree in the stand and fill the base with fresh water.
  
  
• Check the water level daily to prevent it from dropping too low or drying out.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Christmas tree safety!

We know that Christmas may feel a bit different this year
due to COVID-19, but farms across the country have developed safe recommendations so you can visit your favorite farm.

CLICK HERE for those safety recommendations.

Visit INDIANAGROWN.ORG to learn more about our members, try a
new recipe or to find a farmer or producer in your area.

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