If hearing people talk about Christmas in August makes you do a double take, you may not be alone. But for Wisconsin’s Christmas tree growers, it’s right on schedule!
It’s true — at the same time you may be trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer, our growers are hard at work preparing for the holiday season. And at the same time this August, they’re also planning to host nearly 400 growers, vendors, and industry partners from across the country for the National Christmas Tree Association‘s summer meeting in Oregon, Wisconsin.
Sarah Glitto, executive director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA), says there’s a lot of timing and excitement around hosting the national meeting.
“Although it may not be top of mind for everyone to think of your Christmas tree in August, for us, it’s that very busy shearing season and then harvest season begins in the fall,” Glitto explained. “And hosting this national gathering is a great way to put the spotlight on Wisconsin growers.”
More than a holiday tradition
Most people will only start thinking about Christmas trees around Thanksgiving. Growers, however, think about trees every single day.
Those picture-perfect evergreens don’t magically appear on the lot each November. A typical Christmas tree spends years growing before it ever makes it into someone’s living room. Farmers are planting, mowing, fertilizing, watering, and carefully shearing every tree during that time to create the classic Christmas shape.
“That farmer has been caring for that tree to make it as perfect as possible for almost 10 years,” she said.
Meeting in Wisconsin helps spotlight the industry
This year’s national summer meeting gives Wisconsin a chance to show off more than just beautiful trees. The state has a long history in the industry, dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. It’s when many of the country’s first state grower organizations were being established.
“We’re very excited and proud to put that spotlight on our growers and the traditions that many of these farms have had for generation after generation,” Glitto said.
The August 6-8 gathering is expected to bring nearly 400 attendees to Hanns Christmas Farm in Oregon, just outside of Madison. There will educational sessions, networking opportunities, and tours focused on new technology, growing practices, and ways to help Christmas tree farms remain profitable into the future.
The event is also a chance to highlight why Christmas trees deserve a place alongside some of Wisconsin’s most recognizable agricultural products.
“People think of cheese in Wisconsin, of course, with Packers and cheeseheads,” Glitto explained. “But Christmas trees are up there just as high.”
It’s about more than trees
And while Christmas trees are the centerpiece, Glitto says supporting a local tree farm means supporting Wisconsin farm families.
Many operations involve multiple generations working side by side — from planting seedlings and shearing trees to making wreaths, porch pots, and fresh garland.
She also encourages families who may already own an artificial tree to consider adding fresh greenery to their holiday traditions.
“A real wreath, a real porch pot or fresh garland still supports those farm families and brings that fresh evergreen experience to your home,” she said.
So… why talk about Christmas now?
By the time you’re sipping hot cocoa and picking out the perfect Fraser fir, the hardest work is already finished.
August may belong to sweet corn, baseball, and backyard barbecues.
But for Wisconsin tree growers?
It’s just another step on the road to Christmas.
