Holiday Hope Sprouts in Alabama Tree Research

With demand for natural Christmas trees rising, Alabama researchers have been working behind the scenes to help growers keep up and keep holiday traditions alive. Across the southern U.S., it can take three to six years to grow a seven to eight foot tree, so the team at Auburn University’s Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center set out to find ways to speed things up a bit. What started as a practical fertilizer trial soon grew into something much more spirited. More than 200 Alabama grown trees from the project made their way to Marines and their families at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, adding a touch of home to their holiday season.

At the research station, scientists focused on simple but meaningful improvements, like better weed control and updated fertility practices that could save growers time, labor, and money while producing healthier trees. Their goal is to help farms meet growing demand without adding extra years of work.

That’s a lot of farmer speak for gorgeous trees with a little quicker turnaround and a lot more cheer. Auburn’s Jeremy Pickens said the project will help growers throughout the Southeast and bring “a little joy and comfort” to Marines this season.