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For some people, Christmas is the most exciting time of the year, and with many Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina, it’s never too soon to start making plans! Picking out a live Christmas tree is a classic holiday tradition. When visiting the plateau area, make sure to put at the top of your list to visit your favorite Christmas tree farm, so you can take back a very special souvenir from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A big reason to choose a live Christmas tree is because they help the environment! According to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, every acre of Christmas trees planted gives off enough oxygen for 18 people. Today, there are enough Christmas trees planted to give 18 million people their supply of oxygen. Christmas trees are also a sustainable crop. When one is cut down, one or two are planted in its place. Live Christmas trees also take place of artificial trees, which are made of petroleum-based products that use up natural resources. Artificial trees are also not recyclable and will remain in landfills for centuries while live trees are 100% recyclable. And you can’t forget that it is also a great opportunity to help out local Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina.
Many people believe information about Christmas trees that actually turns out to be incorrect. One of the biggest statements is that you save a tree by using a fake tree. While a tree is being cut down, farms replace that tree with seedlings. Another belief is that live Christmas trees aggravate allergies. While in some cases this is true and people are allergic to pollen and sap, it is not as widespread as many believe. Many also believe that trees end up in landfills, but they are actually biodegradable and decompose naturally. Some even choose to use their old Christmas trees to place outside for wildlife shelter during winter months.
The Fraser Fir is a local staple for Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina as they thrive in climates over 3,500 feet above sea level. When looking for the perfect living Christmas tree, you want to make sure it looks just right! It is recommended to step back 5 to 8 feet and look at the tree from several different angles. Trees that are densely branched are most desired, and so is having a good shape and color. You should look for a tree with a straight trunk and it should not be visible through the branches.
It is important to also check how fresh the tree is. One easy way to do that is to check the trunk! A fresh Christmas tree should have a slightly sticky trunk. You can also tell by bending the needles. Fresh fir needles should snap, while fresh pines should not break. When picking a tree that will last the longest, you should grab a branch while pulling it towards you. If it is fresh, the needles should stay on the tree. In general, fresh trees should lose a minimal number of needles when bothered. Some trees will turn a dull gray-green color if they are dried out. As a caution, it is always best to stick with a greener tree!
Once you pick out the perfect tree from the Blue Ridge Mountains it is time to take it to its new home! If this task isn’t done at the Christmas tree lot, then you need to cut about a half-inch from the bottom of the tree’s trunk. Doing this will allow the fresh cut to absorb more water. This helps for keeping needles and holding on to color longer. Try to place the tree in water as quickly as possible after cutting. You also may need to add water 2 or 3 times a day for the first few days. As tempting as it may be to place your tree next to the fireplace, heat sources work towards drying out your tree faster. Place your tree in a nice, cool and dry spot to keep it looking fresh!
Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm & Elf Village – At Tom Sawyers Christmas Tree Farm, you can choose and cut your own tree or they’ll do it for you! Their trees range from 3 to 12 feet tall and provide many helpers to assist you. They can bail and tie your tree to the car for you, and even wrap it in burlap in order to prevent wind and sun damage to your tree! Also, don’t forget to check out the wreaths while you visit, as they offer plain and decorated along with garlands as well. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has changed a lot of tradition this year, one being the Tom Sawyer Elf Village in Glenville, NC. Though his elves will not be attending, Santa will be available for socially distanced visits on the weekends. The farm will also be offering horse drawn carriage rides and tractor pull hayrides during the weekends, make sure to call ahead if weather is questionable!
Moss Tree Farm – Since 1976, The Moss Tree Farm has been producing Christmas trees for the plateau area to enjoy. They farm trees for wholesale distribution across the southeast along with choose and cut services for families to enjoy. Some of the trees at Moss Tree Farm are just now getting to the size to sell so they are not selling any five-foot trees this year, so they can keep growing for years to come! Due to Covid-19, the farm is offering online tree orders, 1 day notice for trees and 1 week notice for wreaths. Moss Tree farm also offers a variety of wreaths of different sizes and styles, and you can get them decorated. They also offer table arrangements, kissing balls, door swags, and variety of different styled bows.
Bear Valley Farm – Bear Valley Farm in Glenville, NC provides mountain grown Christmas trees. They are some of the finest Fraser Firs. Bear Valley provides old fashioned cider, coffee, and hot chocolate to enjoy by a warm fire while looking for the prefect tree. Their staff cuts, bales, and loads the tree for you so your tree can make a safe journey home. Look for the red caboose when making a visit to this Christmas tree farm in Western North Carolina.
When making those special holiday memories, whether it be visiting Christmas farms in Western North Carolina or simply spending time with the family, we at Landmark Vacation Rentals strive to make it the easiest stay possible. We always make it our goal to provide an easy stress-free stay so our visitors can make the best out of their stay here on the plateau. Interested in visiting the area for the holidays? Call Landmark Vacation Rentals!
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