Fall Branch Christmas Tree Farm Trying To Bounce Back From Last Years Drought

The Fall Branch Christmas Tree Farm says this years crop is a good one.  But after last years drought, and low rain levels this year, they have had to take extra steps to make sure their trees got enough water.  Owner Beth Westbrook fills milk jugs with water, and drives along the rows of Christmas trees, stopping to pour water on each tree. “You have to do this twice, because the first time you go through, if you pour all of it on there it would run off cause the ground is so dry”, says Westbrook.
Last year their farm lost some 7-hundred trees from the drought.  This year she was determined to save what she could. 
Because of the drought and how it effected the area Christmas tree farms, she says you will likely see a shortage of trees in about 5 years.  She said most of the trees lost were newly planted, and when that crop is finished growing, which will be around 2010, there won’t be as many trees to go around.
She said during drought conditions like this year and last, you have to be very careful when purchasing a tree, check the needles closely.  If the needles easily fall off when you run your hands through them, the tree could be too dry.  Also, because of the drought, most newly cut trees will need more water then usual. Make sure once you get your tree home to keep it in water constantly.
Fall Branch Christmas Tree Farm will begin selling trees the day after Thanksgiving.