East Texas Christmas tree farmers say the day after Thanksgiving kicks off their busiest time of year.
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“They enjoy just the natural experience of it”, said Reifenberg. “We started our family here in Austin and we want our roots to go deep-pun intended-and so we just keep it up”, said Austin resident Amanda Longtain.
A 2014 poll conducted by the National Christmas Tree Association found that 26.3 million Americans purchased a real Christmas tree, resulting in $1.04 billion. Its proceeds are reinvested in forest conservancy.
“In September, the orders come in to see if we have got them for the schools and churches”, Peter says.
The money is specifically meant for children’s education programs. “Once you take a fresh-cut tree and take it home, you need to get it in water immediately”.
It takes trees about four years to get to the most desirable height, seven or eight feet, which costs about $50, $7 per foot on average.
Amanda Longtain and Matthew Shephard venture out with their kids Stella and Lula to find the flawless Christmas tree for their home. “Nothing compares to the Christmas tree smell in your house”, Kelley said.
The Christmas Farm offers more than 2,000 choose-and-cut trees.
Tom Kay at the Flower Farm in Kennewick said a fresh, living tree is the best bargain, not a pre-cut tree. “Rather, we don’t just sell trees, we sell the experience, and that’s why a lot of people come”, said Foote. Sons Darius and Luke tried their hand at cutting down a tree, but it took dad to finish the job as someone yelled “Timber!”
ACC figures for the past three years reveal more than 80 people, on average, in New Zealand injure themselves hanging Christmas decorations each festive season.
Glass says the farm has been there 25 years, and as he enters his 10th year there, he says a living tree remains a popular tradition. Families are supplied with a saw and a map, and field roads lead them to different stands of trees.
“Naninni: “… a family tradition of donating a tree…”
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It might be more complicated than real or fake: there’s a lot of choice out there if you’re shopping for a Christmas tree, whether you looking for an easy set-up or something more elaborate.
