A forester at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says the state’s supply of locally-grown Christmas trees should not be affected by this year’s drought.

Dennis Adams of the Nebraska Forest Service said in a statement Monday that an estimated 25,000 Nebraska-grown trees will be available this year.

He says more than 25 Christmas tree farms are located around the state, and most will open in the days around Thanksgiving. They allow customers to select and cut their own trees, which Adams says ensures better quality, minimizes the threat of fire and even adds a better aroma.

Adams says buying pre-cut trees from Nebraska is also a better option than purchasing those shipped from western and northern states because they will be fresher.