We are finding that local evergreen branches are in short supply, as many growers stopped growing Scotch Pine. The prolific insect and disease pressure have made these trees more expensive to grow. As one grow
er that quit growing them this year stated, “While costs have increased and the harvest of the saleable trees has decreased, the market will not absorb increased prices”. This has resulted in his decision to stop growing Scotch Pine. Colorado Spruce with disease and insect pressures are the same as Scotch Pine. A disease called Rhizosphaera has been sweeping through grower fields and Colorado Spruce in landscapes. This disease attacks the needles and progressively moves outward on the branches. The difficulty of locating saleable branches, as well as the increased costs, just may significantly alter your choices on wreaths, roping, or grave blankets, this year.
And, since Thanksgiving arrived a little earlier this year, it might have been necessary to have a slightly earlier cutting of the Fraser Fir Christmas Trees. But, don’t worry, the cool rainy weather we have been experiencing will keep the trees like they were cut just before going into your home!