Christmas tree farms: the safer way to choose and cut

Sid’s Christmas Trees owner Sidney Boolootian says the drought and less tree growers are to blame.

“We get people that come back to our farm and tell us how much it meant to them”.

It didn’t take the Matthew Shephard and his family long to find their tree.

Christmas tree shopping is not just about the tree. These displays nearly always include a Christmas tree.

The Christmas Farm offers more than 2,000 choose-and-cut trees. “We’ve done this every year”, Nancy Wrennbauch said. In order to make sure they do, there are a few things to remember – keep at least one gallon of water in your base and keep it away from direct heat, to prevent fire.

I’m going to try my best to ignore all the parts of the modern holiday season I find annoying or unpleasant.

The Christmas Spirit Foundation has been running the Trees for Troops program since 2005.

“If this is the day they are going to get a Christmas tree whether it’s raining or snowing or a full-scale blizzard, they’re going to go and get their Christmas tree”, Stelma said.

Hartung said while Hilliker Tree Farm switched to pre-cut trees at its new location this year, families can still stroll down a scenic path in the woods and warm up with free hot chocolate.

“I’ve never gone out to the forest but with kids, it’s easier to get around in a designated area like this”, said Hansen.

Growing, transporting and selling that many trees each year is not a simple task for the couple.

Trees can’t be taller than 15 feet and should be cut as close to the ground as possible.

“When a tree is harvested, generally two or three more are planted in its place, thus continuing and expanding the cycle of oxygen production”, Mrs. Beckwith said.

“It’s a tradition for our house”, Thornton said as the family trekked through rows of trees varying in species, shape and size.

Wiggins has run the farm since 1989, but his parents started it in 1980, when Christmas tree farms were a novel idea.

Trucks pick up harvested trees each autumn and carry them to Texas, Florida and other states.