The whole family together in the country in search of the perfect Christmas tree. It truly doesn’t get much more festive than that.
But there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure that the reality of the experience meets your expectations.
The first is that you should prepare for a day in the country. That means wearing comfortable walking shoes or boots if it’s muddy or snowy out. At this time of year, you’ll probably also want a warm coat (not just a fleece), gloves, a hat, and maybe even snow pants.
The one thing you can leave at home? A saw, which is usually provided by the operator of the farm.
Some farms charge by the height of the tree (priced per foot, usually). Others label each tree. Either way, make sure you ask before you head out so that there’s no confusion.
Once you find your tree, it’s time to get to work. The National Christmas Tree Association advises taking the following steps:
• Have two people do the job
• The person who does the cutting usually lies on the ground • The other person is responsible for holding the bottom limbs up
All About Christmas Tree Farming
Twenty-five to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. Common varieties include:
• White pine. Soft flexible needles that are not recommended for heavy ornaments
• White spruce. Good, natural shape and stiff needles
• Fraser fir. Attractive blue-green color and a pleasant scent
• Colorado blue spruce. Good symmetrical form and attractive blue foliage
• Concolor fir. Good needle retention and a pleasing shape and aroma
• Douglas fir. One of the best-selling Christmas trees in America
• Balsam fir. A dark green appearance and pleasing scent
• Scotch pine. Excellent needle retention and a bright green color
• Noble fir. Known for its beauty and ability to support heavy ornaments
• Leyland cypress. Dark grey-green and very popular in the southeast
Where to Buy a Christmas Tree
Need help finding a tree farm in your neck of the woods? The National Christmas Tree Association offers an online search tool for finding a farm near you.
About StorageMart
If you find yourself running out of space to store your seasonal and holiday decorations, consider self storage as a possible solution. At StorageMart, all of our units can be rented on a month-to-month basis. Need more info? Check out our storage unit guide or rent a unit online today.