By Steffen Klenk
‘Tis the season to be jolly! It’s time to put away the turkey leftovers 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. An integral part of that will include selecting the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Despite the simplicity and ease of artificial trees, there is nothing quite like the thrill of buying a real Christmas tree year to year.
The National Christmas Tree Association estimates that anywhere from 25-30 million real trees are purchased every year. There are close to 350 million trees growing on farms across the U.S. at any given point, with the largest production in Pennsylvania, Oregon, North Carolina, and Michigan. Here’s an interesting fact: it can take up to 15 years for a tree to grow to its typical height of seven feet.
Before you jump in your car and drive to the nearest tree farm, there are a few key items of information one should know. It is important to 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, be sure to measure the width of the door to ensure the tree will fit through easily.
Next, research the different variety of trees to choose the best one for your home. Not all trees are created equal. Fraser firs are considered the best-selling species and 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. Noble Firs are also easy to decorate, with strong branches that can hold up the heaviest and most fragile ornaments.
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.
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. 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 firmly if you have an adventurous climber of a cat or be sure to keep your pet’s health in mind. If you have a curious cat and dog that likes to chew on objects, consider purchasing an artificial tree. Real trees may contain chemicals that can cause health issues to our four-legged friends.
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, wood chips to create pathways and compost filters. 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 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 Acres
403 Old River Road, Mays Landing
Saturdays 9am-4pm, Sundays 10am-4pm
609-625-2307
Eisele’s Tree Farm
280 Old Tuckahoe Rd. Petersburg
Fridays 1-4pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9am-4pm
609-628-2758
Foster’s Holly Ridge Tree Farm
116 S. Chew Rd. Hammonton
Thursday-Sunday 9am-4:30pm
609-561-8575
Littleworth Tree Farm
1957 Tuckahoe Rd. Petersburg
Fridays Noon-4pm; Saturdays & Sundays 9am-4:30pm
609-628-3346
Ponderosa Tree Farm
131 S. Manheim Ave. Egg Harbor City
Now-November 30th from 11am-4pm; December 1st-23rd from 10am-5pm
609-965-4646
R and J Farm
723 W. Herschel St. Egg Harbor City
Friday-Monday 9am-4:30pm
609-593-6180
Wenz Christmas Tree Farm
560 New Jersey Ave. Absecon
Fridays and Saturdays 9am-8pm, Sundays 9am-7pm
609-432-8880
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
