Costs for trees remain on the higher side, with price ranges similar to last year. Buyers should expect to pay around $12 per foot for higher-quality trees.
If possible, buy local!
Trees get to buyers in different ways. Rural Christmas tree farms cut down trees and sell them at tree lots. There are also quite a few Christmas trees shipped to Ohio from North Carolina and other states, Smith said.
When bringing a tree inside, keep in mind temperature and exposure to sunlight. “Some shorter needles get dry quicker than the longer needles, but they all can dry out if you don’t take care of it,” Smith explained.
After determining where to put the tree, “You want to make a fresh cut and put it in water immediately, so it starts to soak up that water and doesn’t dry out on you,” Smith said.
Did you know? Poinsettias are not poisonous, according to research at Ohio State. Still, don't eat them!
Poinsettias
First time buyer? Look for a high poinsettia that sparks your interest, says Garrett Owen, assistant professor of Sustainable Greenhouse and Nursery Production Systems in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.
What to consider: What color do you want in terms of the bracts, or leaves? Reds, whites, pinks, or novelties, which are variegated bracts, but also what size will fit your location.
Do you want a container that's 4-and-a-half inches, 6-and-a-half inches, or larger? Usually you want a poinsettia that's round, well-branched, and gives you that holiday cheer.
To maintain poinsettias after the holidays, keep them in a sunny window away from cold air drafts. Water them one to two times a week. Make sure the soil is not too moist because they are susceptible to root rot.
The United States poinsettia industry is quite large. For example, in 2019, the specialty crops horticulture industry was valued at $216.5 million. About 45 million poinsettias that were produced in 2019.