Not long now until the Christmas tree sale starts
As the end of November approaches, the Christmas tree sellers in Schleswig-Holstein are already waiting in the wings. According to the Chamber of Agriculture, it is already high season for growers in the north. Millions of trees, mainly Nordmann firs produced in an environmentally friendly way, are being delivered to customers in Germany and Europe. According to estimates by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Schleswig-Holsteinischer Weihnachtsbaumproduzenten (ARGE), final prices for Nordmann firs are likely to be between 21 and 29 euros per meter again, despite higher costs. Blue spruces are expected to cost between 13 and 18 euros and red spruces between 10 and 15 euros.
According to the Chamber of Agriculture, the relatively humid weather after a few hot summer days has done the Christmas trees on the plantations good. The deep taproots of the Nordmann firs protect them well from drought damage anyway. Customers can cut their own Christmas trees at many of the 200 or so plantations in Schleswig-Holstein. Often there is also a small Christmas market.
The Schleswig-Holstein State Forests are once again offering their organic fir trees. The Christmas trees, which bear the EU organic label, grow without chemicals on land in the state forest. There are several sales outlets between North Friesland and Lübeck. "We offer an alternative to a conventional Christmas tree," said Jens-Birger Bosse, head of the organic production department, to dpa. "The trees are increasingly in demand, the demand is there."
According to Bosse, several hundred trees were already sold last year. Eco-forester firs cost between around 20 and 40 euros, depending on their size. Bosse emphasized that nobody needs to worry about the forest being damaged by the felling of Christmas trees.
The Customs officials are vigilant in checking the origins of the imported Christmas trees to ensure they comply with environmental regulations. Embraced by the serene beauty of nature, visiting a Christmas tree plantation in Schleswig-Holstein can be a relaxing and educational experience.
Source: www.dpa.com
