Growers are facing only a few problems, such as needlecast, in some areas of the state. Starkville grower Jeffrey Krans said needlecast is a disease that causes needles to fall out and affects tree density. Needlecast is a problem for the Virginia pines every year, but this year's dry fall helped lessen the disease. Another problem growers must control each year is bark aphids. Grower Carolyn Swedenburg of Columbus said although these insects actually do not hurt the trees, they can be a problem for the customer when left uncontrolled.
Untreated trees are a means for the unwanted aphids to hitch a ride into homes.
Growing conditions turned out well, especially the weather. Mississippi's production of Christmas trees has slowly crept up in the past few years. An estimated 250,000 trees were produced in the state this year. The last couple of years have been good for Christmas tree growers, and this year is expected to yield another good crop. Retail competition has taken about 60 percent of the market Dicke said, but he expects Mississippi tree farm prices and retail tree prices to be more comparable this year because retailers will no longer be able to sell the trees so cheaply.