Christmas tree farmers expecting good crop

NICHOLSON - North Georgia Christmas tree farmers say this year's selection should be good despite the lingering effects of the state's prolonged drought. The drought ended earlier this year and there has been abundant rainfall across the region this year.

Greg Smith, who raises Christmas trees near Nicholson in Jackson County, told the Georgia News Network "The tree that is predominantly used in Georgia is the Leyland Cypress and the Leyland doesn't need a lot of water once it's established. Our trees are very healthy. We've got a good crop out there this year...and I see no damage incurred by the drought."

Smith is also heading up the "Trees for Troops" program. Christmas tree farmers around the state this year are donating trees to the families of soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.