Pine Trees Experiencing More Winter Burn This Year

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The rush at Krueger's Christmas Trees had a Black Friday type feel but the crowds didn't show up for door buster deals or big savings.

"We consider this our "green Friday,"" Deb Krueger, of Krueger's Christmas Trees, said.

Families showed up on Friday with a specific purchase in mind.

"We're here to get the best Christmas tree ever," Art Boylan said.

For Boylan and his family, this trip to the Christmas tree farm marked the start of a new tradition.

"I think going out and finding your own Christmas tree is a lot of fun and it's a nice way to kick off the holidays," he said.

With thousands of trees to choose from, the selection process wasn't easy.  The Boylan family knew they wanted a Fraser fir but took their time to find one that fit in their home and would satisfy all three of their little girls.

"The selection is pretty terrific," he said.

As they walked through the rows of Frasers, Boylan noticed some of the trees had brown needles.

"This one has some winter burn on it," he said as he pointed to a 7-foot Fraser.

Winter burn is showing up in about 20 percent of the Christmas tree crop around the state.

It happens every year, but Deb Krueger believes it's more obvious this season.

"We think because the summer didn't get very warm at all, so, it didn't heat up the trees enough to green them up," Krueger said.

Despite the name, winter burn, this phenomenon actually happens in the early spring.

"We have snow cover and we have longer days so the sun reflects off the snow, and it's coming down on the trees, and it causes a sunburn," Neil Krueger said.

He said even with the brown needles the tree is perfectly healthy.  A tree with brown branches this year will look completely different next season.

"Those needles will fall off this winter," he said. "Around those areas will be new green needles, so, you won't even see it next year."

A few brown branches didn't keep the Boylan family from finding a tree worth trimming.

"A little burn doesn't bother me," Boylan said.

After all, a Christmas tree isn't always about appearance but the tradition it creates.

Neil said winter burn is mainly seen on Fraser fir trees because those trees aren't native to Minnesota.

For more information on Krueger's Christmas Trees, visit them online.