In 1998, a number of trees and wreaths in retail lots began to turn brown and shed needles earlier that usual. Some trunk splitting was also reported. The problems did not occur on every lot, but was reported fairly widely. Jeff Owen is in the process of preparing a Christmas Tree Note to address this trunk splitting issue. These quality problems can be directly traced to the warm weather, but not necessarily the temperature at time of harvest.
Trees are in the best possible condition at time of harvest.
In 1998, those growers and retailers who had good facilities and appropriate handling procedures provided their customers with the best possible product. After visiting several retail lots, I firmly believe that many retailers are displaying trees in a better manner than just a few years ago. Several lots used a display system that allowed water to be provided to trees on a continuous basis. Customer service relative to preparing trees for a stand and even re-netting trees for hauling are more prevalent than in previous years. The National survey indicated that service on retail lots was important to consumers.