Plenty Of Christmas Trees In NJ This Season [AUDIO]

Excessive rain could pose a significant threat for several annual crops in New Jersey, but not Christmas trees. In fact, the supply this year may be the largest New Jersey has experienced in the past few seasons.

An August 14 storm, Hurricane Irene, and a freak October snowfall all contributed to an extremely wet year for the Garden State, and in most cases, that's good for Christmas trees.

"The only cases where there's an issue is if you have a very low-lying field and standing water for periods of time, long after the rain has ceased," explains Dominick Mondi, Executive Secretary of the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers' Association. He says that situation creates a lack of oxygen for the tree's roots.

Most farming operations in New Jersey have a favorable location and elevation, along with the proper drainage. Mondi claims that results in a longer and healthier performance for Jersey trees.

In 2009, according to statistics, New Jersey sold 41,000 Christmas trees.

Mondi says, "Based on conditions from that year, especially with improved consumer spending, we so no reason why that number would decline, if not actually improve."

As for tree prices, Mondi estimates a six to eight-foot Choose & Cut tree at 55 dollars. That is generally five to ten dollars more than pre-cut trees, as one would be getting a better product - a tree cut at the time of sale, not days or weeks before pick-up.

Visit the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers' Association web site for a Choose & Cut tree farm guide.