Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!
Put those fake trees aside! It's time for a fresh and beautiful CT Grown Christmas Tree!
Christmas tree farms have been working harder than ever since the COVID-19 Pandemic due to the huge spike in demand for real Christmas trees. Not only is there a larger demand for real trees, but people in the communities are starting their holiday festivities earlier and earlier each year. (Post Halloween anyone?!)
It may sound easy for us to start thinking about Christmas early, but farmers have to put in a substantial amount of planning and hard work to make this happen. In fact, Bill Syme, from Syme Family Farm, told us that it takes 7 years to grow a Christmas tree to its marketable size! Yes, you heard me, 7 years! So head to your local tree farm to help their hard work pay off.
Not sure where to get your Christmas tree? Click here to search for Christmas tree farms near you!
Tag-A-Tree
Once you’ve located the perfect Christmas tree farm, it’s time to start thinking about when you’re going to pick one out. Some farms offer a tagging system, which means you can head out to the tree farm early, select the perfect tree, and then pick it up at a later date. This would be a great option if you wanted to wait a little later to bring your tree home without the fear of “slim pickins” once you’re ready!
Cut-A-Tree
Christmas tree farms aren’t just about selling a product to you, they are about creating memories for your families and loved ones. Some farms offer the option of cutting down your own tree, which really allows for that whole Christmas experience that gives you all the feels! These farms often supply a saw as well as sled or crate to help tote your tree around. Does this not scream perfect to you?! I’m envisioning a Hallmark Christmas movie in my mind as we speak- SO magical!
How Lovely Are Your Branches!
Here in Connecticut, there are several varieties of Christmas trees that farms grow. These are some of the Christmas tree options cited from the CT Grown website:
Balsam Fir: A dark green tree with long-lasting needles and a distinct fragrance
Blue Spruce: Distinguished by sharp needles, which necessitate careful handling but can be useful if you need to keep pets at bay; has strong branches and good needle retention, but is not very aromatic
Canaan Fir: Has similar characteristics to balsam and Fraser firs, with good needle retention
Concolor Fir: Known for its longer needles, good needle retention, and strong scent
Douglas Fir: One of most popular Christmas tree options, with a dark green hue, dense branches, soft needles, and a lovely fragrance; its branches are less robust than other options, making them better suited for light ornaments
Fraser Fir: Features a blue-green appearance, strong branches, good needle retention, and a pleasant aroma
Norway Spruce: Dark green and well-shaped, but with poorer needle retention
White Pine: A good choice for those in need of a taller tree, with soft needles and good needle retention; drawbacks include minimal scent and weaker branches
White Spruce: Well-shaped with a bluish green color; needle retention isn’t as strong, but is better than other spruce options
Make this year an experience for you and your loved ones by heading out to a Connecticut Christmas tree farm this holiday season. Purchasing a real tree from a farm not only helps support our local farms, but also allows for you to create special memories with your loved ones. We promise you won’t regret it. Happy tree shopping!
Christmas Tree Care Tips!
You picked out the perfect tree, but now what?! Syme Family Farms has some great tips for caring for your Christmas tree to ensure it lasts through the holiday season!
🎄 Make sure to have the right sized tree stand that holds enough water for the size of your tree.
🎄 If you cut the tree that day you are fine, but if it was cut any earlier, you’ll want to take an extra 1-2” off the bottom and then place directly into your stand.
🎄 Feed that tree! Your tree will get very thirsty, so make sure to fill the tree stand with water regularly. Syme Family Farm suggests twice a day!
🎄 DO NOT let your tree run out of water!
