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Good Year For Christmas Tree Crop

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- The official Christmas tree was delivered to the Governor's Mansion on Summit Avenue in St. Paul Monday morning. It is a 50-foot-tall balsam fir that was harvested in the Chengwatana State Forest last week.

But according to Minnesota Christmas tree farmers, the governor isn't the only one that will have a lush tree this year. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture said that this year's crop is outstanding.

The 50 Christmas tree growers listed in the Minnesota Grown Directory reported having an excellent growing season because of the wet spring and summer.

Minnesota Grown spokesman Paul Hugunin said buying a real tree from a farm or grower-owned retail lot is a great way to support your local community.

Hugunin said many farms offer activities to make a whole day out of tree cutting experience.

"This is an ideal time to plan a trip to pick out a real tree," Hugunin said. "Going to a choose-and-cut farm or a local tree lot is a special holiday tradition for many Minnesota families. The experience of a trip to the tree farm will be remembered and treasured long after the presents are gone."

He said people can search for local choose-and-cut farms and grower-owned retail lots by going to the online Minnesota Grown directory.

And if you need tips for keeping trees fresh throughout the holiday season, click here.

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