More Americans are buying Christmas trees this year. Here’s a look at Georgia’s crop

ATLANTA — Sales of real Christmas trees are expected to increase this year because of the pandemic.

The National Christmas Tree Association is calling it the “COVID effect.” With more Americans staying home for Christmas, the association found the majority of Americans planned to decorate more.

Now, we’re learning new information about this year’s crop.

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Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon learned that there are plenty of trees to choose from this year, thanks to the wet year we’ve had.

Deon was at Berry Christmas Tree Farm in Covington, where owner Chuck Berry says there are at least nine varieties of trees this year.

Berry said all the rain we’ve seen this year has led to increased growth for the trees. Dry summers in past years have slowed the growth.

“We’ve got super growth, and some of the greenest and prettiest Christmas trees that we’ve had in a long time,” Berry said.

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Recent cold weather doesn’t bother the trees, as they go dormant in cold temperatures.

Shelly Sawyer and her friends have a tradition of buying their trees together. This year, though, the pandemic changed their tradition.

“Our local elementary school wasn’t able to sell them, which is their big fundraiser,” Sawyer said.

Part of the adventure of going to the tree farm is the chance to cut down your own tree.

“Most trees are good for at least four weeks,” Berry said. “You have to take care of it, like you would a house plant, to make it last.”

Anytime now through the next few weeks is a good time to get a live tree that will last through Christmas.

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