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Christmas tree search can be quality family outingOklahoma Coming together as a family and spending time picking out which Christmas tree to "choose and cut" is historically one of the first and best ways to get in the Christmas spirit. "Choose-and-cut is a family experience," said Craig McKinley, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension forestry expert. "The choose-and-cut operation is selling an experience as much as they are selling a Christmas tree. It's fun." In Oklahoma there are 26 locations at which members of the Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association is selling live trees. Many of these farms will be serving hot chocolate and cider as well as handing out candy canes for the kids. "For families with little kids, the whole idea is the experience," said Chuck Tauer, OSU forest genetics professor and member of the OCTA. "The kids come out and have a lot of fun." While picking out the right tree is the reason for taking the family out for an afternoon together, it is truly a community event. "You will see people talking to community members or petting the neighbor's dog. It's not just, 'let's go out and get a tree and hurry back home,'" said McKinley. "The average family will spend an hour-and-a-half at the choose-and-cut farm." However, some time will need to be spent before arriving at the Christmas tree farm in preparation to picking out the right one. Families should measure the ceiling height where the tree will be displayed. "Trees grow when they get inside," McKinley said. "Be aware of where you are going to put it." Don't forget to consider the width of the tree, and whether all sides will be displayed. Some trees at the farm may be a little flat or thin on one side, which is OK if that side will be back in the corner of a room once the tree is on display. Also, have an idea of how you want to decorate your tree as different species in Oklahoma will allow for different decorations. "We probably have at least eight or 10 species that our growers have attempted in the state," said McKinley. "Think about how stiff the limbs are. There are some very fine Christmas tree species that won't hold up a heavy ornament." No matter how big or small, how short or tall, or what color of tree your family chooses to bring home, it will be just right. "There is no perfect tree. We all have what we like and what we don't like," McKinley said. "It all varies by individual. If you like it, it's perfect." People interested in purchasing a live Christmas tree from a choose-and-cut farm can visit the OCTA website at http://www.okchristmastrees.com. The website will provide a list and map of locations of all the member-growers in the state, as well as the different species they have and hours of operation. Also, pamphlets can be picked up at local OSU Cooperative Extension offices across the state. 11/17/08 Date: 11/11/08
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