Tree Farms Ready to Help You Find Potential Christmas Tree [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD -- With the holiday season fast approaching it's time to start looking for the biggest holiday tradition -- the Christmas Tree.

Minnesota tree farmers produce about 500,000 trees per year and are gearing up for the busy season.

Beth Berlin is the Extension Educator in Horticulture for Stearns and Benton Counties. She says if you're cutting a tree this year make sure you have space for it and watch the price.

There are many varieties of trees to choose from in Minnesota such as Scotch pine, red pine, balsam fir, and white spruce.

Berlin says it doesn't matter what type of tree you choose as long as it's special to you.

For many of us cutting a fresh tree is an annual tradition. Berlin says if you're new to cutting a tree, local tree farmers are willing to help.

Fresh cut trees can use up to one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter each day.

Berlin says it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your tree once you have it placed in your home.

If your interested in cutting your own tree this year visit www.mncta.com/pages/CutYourOwnTreeFarms to find a tree farm near you.