Christmas is quickly approaching and 'tis the season to pick out and decorate a Christmas tree. With all the options out there, picking the right Christmas tree for you can be a daunting task. Should you cut down your own tree? Purchase one from a tree lot? Opt for a faux tree from a retail store? Read on for the most common Christmas tree options.
Cutting Down Your Own Tree
Cutting down your own tree can be a fun family activity, and can really put you in the holiday spirit. While freshly cut trees smell wonderful and can be fun to search for on a snowy mountainside, they also have some disadvantages, too. For example, if you want to cut down your own tree, you need to have a permit.
Permits can be purchased through the USDA Forest Service. These permits specify that you can cut any species of tree except for the ponderosa pine, remind you that you cannot just cut off the top of a tall tree, and that you cannot cut down tress in campgrounds, picnic areas, or administrative sites. If you plan on picking up your tree at a later time, you must tag your tree before leaving.
You may also want to keep in mind that trees in the forest may contain bugs, and you might not realize how many there are until you've already cut it down.
If hiking through the mountains to find your perfect tree isn't for you, then you can always cut down your own tree at a tree farm, too.
Visiting a Tree Lot
If cutting down your own tree is out of the question but you still want the real thing, you can always visit a tree lot to pick one out. Christmas trees from tree lots are usually a good option for a person who wants a real tree, but doesn't want to go through the hassle of getting a permit, driving to the mountains, and finding the perfect tree. Tree-lot trees can still contain bugs though, so watch out!
You'll also want to do some searching around your area for the best tree lot before you make your purchase. Compare trees and prices, and inquire about when the trees were cut and where they came from: a tree that was cut early or was shipped from far away might not last all the way through Christmas before drying out!
Purchasing a Fake Tree
The easiest available option is to purchase a faux tree from a retail store. These trees are easy to purchase, won't make a mess, and can be used again and again. Fake trees can be pricy though, especially if you purchase one that comes complete with decorations. Another downside to fake trees is that they don't provide that fresh-cut Christmas tree smell, and the manufacturing of the tree (use of plastics) isn't great for the environment. Having a real tree in your home also improves the air quality, which can be beneficial for your health.
This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, festive green-thumbed mother of two. If you're looking for someone else to “trim the tree” a lot more literally, Samantha recommends visiting www.biolandscape.com for tree pruning services.
No comments:
Post a Comment