By Steffen Klenk
‘Tis the season to be jolly! It’s time to put away the turkey and break out the stockings. The holiday season is upon us, and as the countdown to Christmas moves forward, now is the time to start decorating the house. Part of that chore will include selecting the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Despite the simplicity of artificial trees, there are still many who enjoy the thrill of buying a real Christmas tree year to year.
Before you jump in your car and drive to the nearest tree farm, there are a few key items of information you should know. Measure the ceiling height of the room where you will set up the tree while taking into consideration your tree topper and stand. A good rule of thumb: if you have an eight-foot ceiling, you’ll want to purchase a six or seven-foot tree. Also, measure the width of the door to ensure the tree will fit through easily.
Next, be sure to research the different varieties of trees to choose the best one for your home. Not all trees are created equal. The Balsam Fir has an aromatic scent that will set off instant feelings of Christmas throughout any room of your home. Douglas Firs are another perfect option. Considered one of the most popular Christmas trees in the country, the Douglas Fir is one of the densest trees you will find with its soft, shiny green needles. If your family loves to decorate, the Noble Fir’s strong branches can hold up the heaviest and most fragile ornaments. Other common trees include the Blue Spruce. With its silvery-blue needles and symmetrical shape, it’s perfect for holding heavy ornaments and, if kept at optimal temperatures, doesn’t drop many needles. Fraser firs are the most attractive and will look good in any home. These types of trees are appropriate for ornaments of all shapes and sizes with its sturdy branches and silvery-green undersides. The cone-shaped Norway Spruce gives off a mild, pleasant scent with its attractive forest-green needles.
Once you have brought your tree home and it has been properly placed, be sure to water it every day. During the first few days, a tree can drink gallons of water, so check your tree stand often. It is also important to note that Christmas trees thrive in cooler conditions. Keep your tree away from any heaters, fireplace, or other objects that can cause it to dry out quickly. Anchor the tree if you have an adventurous climber of a cat, and be sure to keep the health of your pets in mind. If you have a curious cat or dog that likes to chew on objects, consider purchasing an artificial tree.
Research has shown that real Christmas trees have vast environmental benefits. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, real Christmas trees support life on earth by emitting fresh oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide along with other gases. Farms that are growing the trees not only provide refuge for local wildlife, but they protect water supplies and stabilize oil.
And because they are biodegradable, your Christmas tree can be easily reused and recycled. They’re used for mulch, compost filters, and wood chips to create pathways. Check with your local municipality for pick up dates at the end of the Christmas season. Or, if you have the space, set your tree up in the backyard with popcorn strings or edible ornaments to feed the local wildlife, such as birds and squirrels.
There are many locations in South Jersey where you can find the perfect Christmas tree. Below is a list of local tree farms open this season in Atlantic and Cape May Counties:
Dupras’ Evergreen Forest
403 Old River Road, Mays Landing
Fridays & Saturdays 9 am-4 pm, Sundays 10 am-4 pm
609-625-2307
Foster’s Holly Ridge Tree Farm
116 S. Chew Rd. Hammonton
Thursday-Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm
609-561-8575
Littleworth Tree Farm
1957 Tuckahoe Rd. Petersburg
Fridays Noon-4pm; Saturdays & Sundays 9 am-4:30 pm
609-628-3346
Ponderosa Tree Farm
131 S. Manheim Ave. Egg Harbor City
Daily 10 am-5 pm
609-965-4646
Wenz Christmas Tree Farm
560 New Jersey Ave. Absecon
Daily 9 am-9 pm
609-432-8880
R and J Farm
723 W. Herschel St. Egg Harbor City
Friday-Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
609-593-6180
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
