Here are the types of Christmas trees best suited for Texas, where to buy them
There are plenty of places to buy your Christmas tree in Texas.
Note that some trees sold at big-box stores may not be suitable to the Texas climate, cautions Stan Reed, executive secretary of the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association. Because of the hot summers and warm nights, a limited number of Christmas trees can be grown in Texas.
This year, trees may be a bit pricier because of the freeze and drought earlier this year. Knowing which type of tree to bring home is key.
There are five types of Christmas trees that grow well in Texas:
Virginia Pine: The most popular Christmas Tree in the South, grown throughout Texas. It’s a short-needled pine with pleasant pine fragrance, dense foliage and strong limbs for heavy ornaments.
Leyland Cypress: Grows in South and East Texas. Perfect for people with allergies to tree pollen because the hybrid tree has no pollen. Just make sure to rinse your tree off with a hose when you get home. This popular tree is dense with short needles and, if kept in water, will outlast any other Christmas tree without leaving needles on the floor.
Afghan Pine: Grown throughout the state, but most often in West Texas. It has a mild fragrance and sturdy branches that are spread further apart than the Virginia Pine, giving it a more open appearance.
Carolina Sapphire Arizona Cypress: Called “blue ice” because of its silver-blue foliage. Grown on a limited basis across the South. Its best characteristics include fast growth, blue color and excellent aroma.
Eastern Red Cedar: Traditional native Christmas tree that many Southerners can recognize. The red cedar is dense, has an outstanding aroma, a green color and a natural Christmas tree shape.
When buying your Christmas tree, be sure to take into account the size of the tree and whether it will fit in your space. The rule of thumb, Reed says, is to have at least six inches between the top of the tree and the ceiling. Also, be sure to cut off about half an inch at the bottom so it can absorb water, and water it enough so that it doesn’t dry up and become a fire hazard.
Where to get your Christmas tree
Don’t know where to find a Christmas tree in Texas? Use TCTGA’s online tool at texaschristmastrees.com to find a Texas Christmas tree farm near you.
These are the Christmas tree farms you can choose from in Dallas-Fort Worth:
“Right now, they’re at the point where they’re getting trees ready, tagged and make sure that they get all their tree care cards and supplies ready to go because most of them will open up that Friday right after Thanksgiving,” Reed said.
