Oh Christmas Tree...

[30abob]

This is our first Christmas in SoWal. I am only somewhat familiar with what lies North of the bay, but in my travels I have yet to see a Christmas Tree farm. My family has a "strong" tradition (meaning my 4 kids won't accept any changes or alternate plans) of trekking to a real tree farm and watching dear old dad (me) hack down the "Griswald Family Christmas Tree." I need help, where is the nearest tree farm? We're willing to drive, so even South Alabama is on the table. On second thought maybe I should limit it to 70 miles or so, I don't want to spend all the tree money on gas!

[SWGB]

[Lisa Ruby]

There's Strickland's in DeFuniak, you might want to give them a call and check out their offerings since we've had a long drought this year.

[InletBchDweller]

Here is a GREAT website


http://www.pickyourownchristmastree....spanhandle.php

[Franny]

Here is a GREAT website


http://www.pickyourownchristmastree....spanhandle.php

That is amazing!! I never knew we had so many choices in our area. These are MUCH better than the one in Defuniak. We want a living tree to transplant after Christmas..maybe a cypress. Good job ibd!!

[30abob]

Thanks IBD!!!!!!!!!!!

[hnooe]

This is our first Christmas in SoWal. I am only somewhat familiar with what lies North of the bay, but in my travels I have yet to see a Christmas Tree farm. My family has a "strong" tradition (meaning my 4 kids won't accept any changes or alternate plans) of trekking to a real tree farm and watching dear old dad (me) hack down the "Griswald Family Christmas Tree." I need help, where is the nearest tree farm? We're willing to drive, so even South Alabama is on the table. On second thought maybe I should limit it to 70 miles or so, I don't want to spend all the tree money on gas!

I think family Holiday traditions are important and sacred, but I don't really think cutting down living trees is the way to go anymore.... How about artificial trees or ones or native tree than can be re-planted in Spring?

[30A Skunkape]

I think family Holiday traditions are important and sacred, but I don't really think cutting down living trees is the way to go anymore.... How about artificial trees or ones or native tree than can be re-planted in Spring?

Just a guess, but I bet almost all the trees we buy are from tree farms which must practice good forestry if they are to stay in business. And while I don't drink the fear mongerer's kool-aid, I bet more 'toxins' are produced in the manufacture of artificial trees.

[30A Skunkape]

Oh yeah, buying a live tree almost guarantees supporting an American or Canadian business. I am willing to bet most if not all fake trees are manufactured in the People's Republic of human right's abuse and lead based paint.

[tistheseason]

Just a guess, but I bet almost all the trees we buy are from tree farms which must practice good forestry if they are to stay in business. And while I don't drink the fear mongerer's kool-aid, I bet more 'toxins' are produced in the manufacture of artificial trees.

My sister and I were having this debate the other day. . . .which is better for the environment. I say the fresh tree. The Christmas tree was planted for this particular purpose and I imagine the farmer is planting another one in it's place. And the artificial tree is to end up in a land fill eventually -- at least the box that it was delivered in will. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE an artificial tree (My husband won't even consider it!) And there are a lot of reasons to justify getting one. . . . I just don't think you can say that it's the GREEN way to go.

[30abob]

I think family Holiday traditions are important and sacred, but I don't really think cutting down living trees is the way to go anymore.... How about artificial trees or ones or native tree than can be re-planted in Spring?

How many of these "living trees" would have been planted if there wasn't a profitable market for them?

We take for granted that the trees we see around us have always been there... when in fact only a few generations ago the entire landscape had been completely stripped bare. If not for enterprising souls who saw the possibility to derive some monetary gain from planting NEW trees we might reside in a barren treeless landscape. Have you ever seen pictures of the English countryside? It's beautiful, but the "forests" are tourist attractions.

As long as there is a viable market for trees (of any kind) there will be new ones planted, remove the monetary gain and the few that are planted for aesthetics or mandated by covenants will be all that remain. Same principle for animals... don't ever worry about cows and chickens making the endangered species list. As far as "renewable" / "recyclable" resources go trees are near the top of the list, talk about a "GREEN" business - this is a great one. Just my two cents...

[Teresa]

I don't understand the attraction to a fake tree. sure, its easier, cheaper, less mess, less stress, allergen-free (?). but its not a tree! my family enjoys the hunt for the perfect tree (must be tall and fat). it's part of christmas tradition.

some day I may tire of all the hassle of a fresh cut tree. I'm thinking I'll plant one outside near the house and let that be my tree - decorated with lights and funn outdoor ornaments, gourds, birdhouses, feeders, pine cones, etc. and maybe a very small fresh cut indoor tree.

[Teresa]

found a gorgeous tree right here in santa rosa beach! On Hwy 98, headed west toward sandestin, on the left is a Florist (Pam's Flowers) and Nursery (Destin Palms or something). They have tons of gorgeous fresh cut trees from North Carolina, standing in buckets of water. Prices are certainly better than the Destin lot.

There is no sign at this point so you really have to look. Just a little past the Post Office/Coco's shopping center.

Great find. thanks to jdarg.

[Teresa]

also, make sure to check out tc's post on South Walton Montessori Academy's tree sale!

[ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=18272"]Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale - SoWal Beaches Forum[/ame]