There is nothing that compares to the aroma of a freshly cut Christmas tree. Traditionalist prefer real trees, and appreciate the fact they are biodegradable and recyclable. According to a Nielsen study in 2011, the average price of a real tree was $46.00. Prices vary depending on the type of tree you purchase. Generally, prices are determined by the height of the tree preferred. Often, they are priced per foot. The following are common Christmas trees to choose from. The listed pricing is for trees approximately six to seven feet in height. The average price is for a pre-cut tree not the cut-your-own tree price. Christmas tree farms stay competitive with home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. Listed are the most popular trees for Christmas time.
Fraser Fir: noted for its inch-long soft needles and ability to hold large ornaments. $29.00
Noble Fir: similar to the Fraser Fir the needles are well spaced for ornaments of various sizes. The boughs are often made into wreaths. It’s grey green needles appear silvery. $65.00
Douglas Fir: soft needles and good needle retention. $49.00
Blue Spruce: known for its blue, silvery hue. The aroma of crushed needles of this tree are not pleasant. $60 – $70.00.
Balsam Fir: a light ornament tree. $39.00
Scotch Pine: sharp needles but the aroma lasts the season. $28.00
White Spruce: needles are blue-green and about 1/2 inches long. $50.00
Eastern White Pine: known for its soft green colour and long needles. $40 – $50.00
White Fir or (Ancolor fir): has a coarser texture than most trees. It’s unique fragrance is usually described as orange-like or that of a citrus fruit. $40.00
Ninety percent of sales of real Christmas trees are of the Douglas Fir and Noble Fir trees. They are the most popular, offering a wonderful shape and good needle retention. Obtain a fresh cut at the bottom of your real tree to enhance water intake. Put your tree in water immediately. Clean water is the only requirement needed to keep your tree ready for the season. Keep it out of the sunlight and replenish water daily. The first twenty four hours a freshly cut tree will take up to a gallon of water. One or two more quarts are needed every day after the first day.
Boy Scouts offer a Christmas Tree Recycling Program which relies on donations. Usually, for a $5.00-$10.00 donation, the Boy Scout Troops will pick up your tree after the season and recycle it. Most counties offer free drop-off locations for your tree to be recycled. Your tree can also be cut into smaller sizes and put in your yard waste container.