While Christmas is approaching, it’s time to start thinking about buying a tree. When artificial trees aren’t cutting it, use this guide to help pick out a live tree.
Fun fact: North Carolina is the number one tree producer in the country, with NC having 3 of the top Christmas tree farm counties in the nation: Ashe, Allegany, and Mitchell.
Why It Matters?: Artificial or real? The debate goes on, but in this season specifically, when western NC could use so much support, consider buying a live tree.
“I think a live tree is better because it gives the more warm feeling of Christmas to your home, rather than a fake plastic one,” said sophomore Bryce Thompson.
There are a few holdouts for artificial trees though: the reduced mess and the fact that you only have to purchase one tree rather than a new one every year being their biggest positives.
“We buy a real tree that goes to the top of our living room,” said sophomore Blake Kesterson. “However I prefer artificial trees because they aren’t dirty.”
Zoom Out: You probably enjoy the fresh smell of the NC Fraser Fir that lights up your house during the holiday season. If you enjoy that smell, learn the easy tips and tricks from cutting it out in the field to keeping your tree alive. When picking out your tree, take into consideration where you’re buying it from. Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina are using their proceeds to help rebuild their homes after destruction from Hurricane Helene.
Agriculture Teacher Kelly Richardson’s Guide/Tips and Tricks:
Look for shape (everyone has their own opinion on what a Christmas tree should look like)
Check for living animals inside the Christmas tree
Grab the branches and see if the needles are falling off (if they are already shedding, then the tree won’t last as long)
Make sure when cutting down the tree that the trunk is not split; if it is, then the tree will not take in water and won’t last till Christmas.
Be sure and water your tree every day–depending on its water intake, you might need to water it twice a day
Wrap Up: If you are getting into the holly jolly spirit of Christmas and are wanting to go ahead and get your tree, hopefully these tips and tricks helped. Don’t be a grinch this holiday season and go make the memories and traditions live on with your family.
Where to buy: See places below to buy trees to give back to local communities.
Stump Hill Farm
Meet The Tuckers & Mahogany Rock Tree Farm
