Christmas tree farms:

1. 93

   habeeposted 12 years ago

   How many of you get your Christmas tree from a tree farm? My youngest daughter and her family do. They make it an annual outing! I'd love to do this, too, but I don't think I could do the walking that's required. If you're going to have a real tree, I think a local tree farm is the best way to go. You can be sure the tree is fresh, and it helps support local farmers.
   

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   1. 61

      couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry, habee, I think Christmas tree farming is one of the most disgraceful and blatant use of consumerism ever.  Growing trees only to have them cut down to be used for a few weeks is wrong in my book.

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      1. 93

         habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         So, you don't believe in using paper, disposable diapers, or toilet paper? Do you know how discarded Christmas trees are used here in the South? (maybe elsewhere, also)
         
         Many people sink them into ponds and lakes to provide habitat for fish, especially crappie. We also have a park where the trees can be taken to be turned into mulch. Just about everyone I know who uses a real tree recycles their trees in some way.

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         1. 80

            Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Real trees are also better for the environment than artificial trees in terms of recycling. I don't see a tree farm as any different than a plant nursery. We cut flowers all the time. It's different than clear-cutting a forest...

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            1. 61

               couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               I didn't know they were well recycled.  Still seems like a waste of trees, though.

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         2. 89

            Patty Inglish, MSposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            And the tree farms plant new growth, staggered time-wise to keep the "forest" growing, right? Sounds like a good plan and sustainable.

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            1. 93

               habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, they do. Like UW said, it's not like clear-cutting an entire forest.

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      JimmieWriterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No, finances were the kicker for us. We bought a beautiful (real) tree at Costco for only $30. It was such a good price and so convenient that we wouldn't think of anything else. I love the concept of a tree farm, though!

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2. 94

   leahleflerposted 12 years ago

   We're going today! We go to a local tree farm in Warren, Pennsylvania and cut our own tree. The tree is fresher, and cheaper than the pre-cut trees at the big box stores. Of course, we love supporting the local tree farmer, too!

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   1. 93

      habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Have fun!

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3. 94

   leahleflerposted 12 years ago

   Thanks, Habee! We will!
   
   Another benefit: going to a Christmas tree farm is an opportunity for great family pictures!

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4. 89

   Stacie Lposted 12 years ago

   It used to upset me as a child, to see live trees being cut down.My family had live trees for every Christmas. I hated to see the tree needles fall off and turn brown.
   Since I lived near Fire island, the trees would be recycled by shoring up the sand dunes.
   now I understand that it is better than a fake tree from China..(I have a fake one now due to allergies)

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5. 94

   leahleflerposted 12 years ago

   We bought ours from a tree farm today - $14 for an 8' tall white pine.
   
   
   They only tag a certain percentage of the farm each year, and replant to keep a steady supply. We do like to support local businesses, and since we do a "real" tree each year, would rather get it from this family farm than from a big box business.

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   1. 93

      habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Lovely tree and beautiful family!!

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