CHRISTMAS TREES: AN ESTIMATED 36 MILLION AMERICANS WILL ENJOY `REAL' THING THIS SEASON

Live Christmas trees are still a tradition of many American families.

More than 36 million American families will bring a "real" Christmas tree into their homes as part of the holiday celebration this year.

This could be a record year for live-tree sales, said spokesmen for the National Christmas Tree Association Inc. There has been an upward trend in tree sales over the past four years: 35.2 million in 1988, 35.4 million in 1989, 35.5 in 1990, and 35.7 million last year.

"We're projecting sales of more than 36 million this year," said an association spokesman.

The Christmas tree industry is serious business in the U.S. Christmas trees are an all-American product grown in all 50 states.

Association statistics show there are about 15,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S. who provide employment for more than 100,000 full- or part-time employees.

A count of Christmas trees being grown in Missouri was not available.

"We have about 250 tree farms in the state," said Marlyss Doerslinger, executive director of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association. "The farms vary in size, with sales ranging from 200 up to more than 5,000 trees."

The Christmas tree business also provides a big boost to Southeast Missouri and the Cape Girardeau County economy. Several Christmas tree farms are situated throughout the area. Many offer select- and cut-your-own trees.

Christmas tree lots can be found in big numbers throughout the area, including several operated by civic clubs and organizations as fund-raising activities.

About 15 to 20 permits are issued each year for tree-sales facilities in Cape Girardeau. "We sold our first permit for 1992 Thursday," said a spokesman at City Hall.

The industry also offers an option for Americans who want to keep their trees following the holidays.

"We have trees with the roots, which can be used inside a few days then planted outside," said Paul Schnare of Sunny Hill Gardens, 206 N. Kingshighway.

"The only drawback to this is the length of time the tree can be used inside," said Schnare. "We don't recommend the tree be inside more than three or four days before planting it. The fewer days the better.

"If they're in warm temperatures too long, they will suffer shock when placed outside in cold weather," explained Schare.

Schnare said the special trees Baldwin burlap are beautiful trees available in heights of 4-to-6 feet.

"Some people decorate their trees on Christmas eve and take them down a couple of days later," he said. "These use-and-plant trees are ideal for that."

Schnare said everything is available for the tree.

"We have the tubs to place them in, and, if the owners desire, we'll come out and plant the tree for them later."

He said the cost of trees with roots range between 35 to 50 percent more, not counting the planting fee.

"Actually, the owner of the tree can plant it himself," said Schnare.

Schnare previously operated a choose-and-cut operation.

"We have a tree farm with about 5,000 to 6,000 Scotch pine trees," said Schnare. "But this year we'll be cutting the trees and bringing them into Sunny Hill Garden. We'll have all kinds of trees, fresh wreaths and garlands."

A number of tree operations allow people to select and cut their own tree, including Schwab's Pines, Meier Horse Shoe Pines, and River Ridge Christmas Tree Farm.

One of the large Christmas tree farms is Schwab's, a major supplier of Christmas trees in the area.

Including wholesale and retail operations, Schwab's Pines, owned by David and Phyllis Schwab, sells about 4,000 to 5,000 Christmas trees during the holiday season. "We're already receiving orders," said Phyllis Schwab.

The Schwabs also have a gift shop that offers fresh wreaths and roping.

"We cut and ship as we receive orders," she said. "This way the trees stay fresh longer."

She said the family often spends nights loading trucks with Christmas trees.

Schwab's will also have a tree lot in Cape Girardeau. People can visit the Jackson area tree farm and choose and cut their own Christmas trees at Schwab's.

About 70,000 to 80,000 trees are grown on the Schwab farm. Most of the trees sold are Scotch pine, although some white pines are also sold, said Schwab.

Schwab also offers buyers a choice of keeping their tree after the holiday.

"We'll dig the trees and place them in a tub for the home," said Schwab. "We don't recommend that these trees be used inside more than a week, however."

Schwab said trees could be placed in the garage and replanted in early spring when temperatures reach 40 to 50 degrees.

Joannie Gunther, who operates River Ridge Christmas Tree Farm and Yule Log Cabin store south of Scott City, has been selling Christmas trees since 1985 at her farm off Route N, five miles south of Scott City.

One of the highlights of the Gunther operations is the Yule Log Cabin, a Christmas gift store at the tree farm.

"This is the second year for the cabin," said Gunther. "When people finish selecting their tree, they can look at our Yule store, which features ornaments, collectible Santas, tree-toppers, music boxes and other holiday gifts."

The River Ridge Christmas Tree Farm, formerly Gunther's Christmas Tree Farm, has about nine acres of Christmas trees.

"Scotch pine is the biggest seller," said Gunther. But, she said, white pines, which have soft needles, are increasing in popularity. "More and more people are wanting fresh trees, and people seem to enjoy choosing Christmas trees and cutting them down."

Meier Horse Shoe Pines will open to the public the day after Thanksgiving.

"We'll provide transportation on the tree farm by horse-drawn wagons," said Stephen and Teresa Meier, owners of the farm southwest of Jackson.

This is the third year of the operation for the Meiers, who also have a gift shop featuring fresh wreaths, roping and other holiday gifts, including Christmas arts and crafts items."

John Koch, a Cape Girardeau veterinarian, also raises trees and sells his Scotch pines from a tree lot next to his Cape Small Animal Clinic on Christine Street.

Koch grows about 20,000 Christmas trees on a 30-acre site in Bollinger County. "We have several different varieties of trees, but mostly we have Scotch pine. They make an awful nice Christmas tree. I like the fullness of the Scotch pine."