State Officials Urge Md. Residents To Buy Real Christmas Trees

UPPERCO, Md. (WJZ)-- With Christmas just around the corner, it's that time of year-- you either search rows of pine trees or pull that plastic one out of the basement. State officials say your decision could impact the environment and the local economy.

Adam May explains.

The new owners of Spring Meadow Farms in Upperco in Baltimore County see a good business opportunity with real Christmas trees regaining popularity.

"You just don't have the whole Christmas feeling with an artificial tree, so I think a lot of people are starting to come back," David Schneider, owner of Spring Meadow Farms, said.

Christmas tree sales are a multi-billion dollar industry, and if you buy trees grown in Maryland, you create jobs in Maryland.

"When you buy a Christmas tree from a Maryland Christmas tree farmer, you are supporting the local agriculture economy," explained Mark Powell of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. "You are keeping that farmer on the land, and you are helping protect that farmer."

There are 200 tree farms across the state.

Maryland's first family has cut their own for the Governor's mansion.

But what about artificial trees? Most are made in China-- some actually have labels warning of chemical exposure.

State officials say real trees are better for the environment.

"Trees grow 14-15 years top, get to sellable size," Powell said. "That whole time, they are taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere."

It's a green alternative.

Once it dies off, you can recycle it, shred it up, so the trees go back to nature when Santa goes back to the North Pole.

Click here to see where you can buy real Christmas trees in Maryland.