WHAT VARIETIES DO YOU CARRY?
When we first started back in 2007 we carried 13 varieties of fresh-cut Christmas trees. Today, we carry 5. Why? With years of experience comes an understanding of what type of trees do well in our dry desert climate. We have cut out trees like Canaan, White Pine, and Scotch Pine because or their needle structure. While these may be popular in coastal states, these trees have thin, brittle needles that don't hold the moisture as well as the varieties listed below. I guess you could say we have chosen quality over quantity.
The Fraser Fir is very fragrant and retains needles well. It is symmetrically shaped with soft 3/4 inch-long, dark green needles with silvery undersides on sturdy even branches. This tree is our top selling and comes in a full range of sizes. They tend to be one of the narrower large trees you can find.
Fraser Fir
Noble Fir
The Noble Fir has 1 inch long blue-green needles with stiff branching. It is extremely aromatic Known for it's needle retention and beautiful spacing. It has a fluffy and full appearance and beautiful white trunk.
Balsam Fir
The Balsam fir has compact needles and a dark green color. Incredible scent and traditional appearance make this tree one that has been around for 100's of years.
Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann fir has exceptional needle retention. The long silver and green needles are soft and shiny making them a new favorite. Some claim they are also hypoallergenic because of the oils being trapped in their waxy coating.
Douglas Fir
The Douglas Fir is one of the oldest varieties of cut tree in the United States. Known for their true green, pyramidal shape, these are the most traditional trees you can fine. Think "Charlie Brown" but all grown up. They have a character and a nostalgia to them that has made us decide to bring them back into our offering.
WHAT MAKES YOUR TREES DIFFERENT FROM A BOX STORE?
Good question! Christmas tree are graded by overall quality and when they were cut. When the tree was cut makes a big difference in quality.
Christmas trees can be cut up 6 months (or more) in advance. A tree cut during this time-frame would be considered a low- grade tree, and one that will be sent to the box stores that require a huge quota to fill.
We buy all of our trees direct from wholesalers. We buy the freshest, and highest grade trees in the US. We only bring ours in 2-3 days before we open, and keep them under tarps the entire time until putting on display. Our display trees stay up for only a few days, and most often just a few hours before selling. There is no hot asphalt reflecting heat at our lot either. We are under a natural shade cover and it dramatically helps with the longevity of the tree.
CHRISTMAS TREE FUN FACTS
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The first decorated Christmas was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.
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Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United states since about 1850. Until fairly recently, all Christmas trees came from the forest.
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Growing Christmas trees provides a habitat for wildlife.
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Recycled trees have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers and been placed in ponds for fish shelter.
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Christmas trees remove dust and pollen from the air.
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Artificial trees will last for six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill.
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An acre of Christmas trees provides for the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.
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Most fake (artificial) trees (85%) in the U.S. are imported from China. Almost 10 Million fake trees were sold worldwide in 2003. The U.S. Commerce Dept. tracks the Import of Fake Trees
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Real Christmas trees are involved in less than one-tenth of one percent of residential fires and only when ignited by some external ignition sources.
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Thirty-four to thirty-six million Christmas trees are produced each year and 95 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms.
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More than one million acres of land have been planted in Christmas trees. The industry employs over 100,000 people. Many Christmas tree growers grow trees on a part-time basis to supplement farm and non-farm income.
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More than 2,000 trees are usually planted per acre. On an average 1,000-1,500 of these trees will survive. In the North, maybe, 750 trees will remain. Almost all trees require shearing to attain the Christmas tree shape. At six to seven feet, trees are ready for harvest. It fighting heavy rain, wind, hail, pests and drought to get a mature tree.
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Christmas trees take an average of 7-10 years to mature.
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98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms.
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73 million new Christmas trees will be planted this year.
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2-3 seedlings are planted for every harvested Christmas tree.
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Helicopters sometimes help to lift harvested Christmas trees from farms.