Going to a Christmas tree farm becomes family tradition

Wade Spees
The Post and Courier

In addition to picking out a tree at Toogoodoo Christmas Tree Farm, brothers Craig (from left), 8, Matthew, 2, and Bryce Brown, 6, found it a place for running and jumping.

Wade Spees
The Post and Courier

Saws lined up for customers at Lebanon Christmas tree farm.

Going out to cut your own Christmas tree might seem old-fashioned in an age of tree lots on every corner and pre-lit trees in a box, but for some families, it's a tradition that lives on.

"We've seen people who came (to the tree farm) back in the '80s come back with their own children. It's become a generational thing," says Kim Yerich, owner of Lebanon Christmas Tree Farm, which is just west of Goose Creek.

Repeat customers also are common at Toogoodoo Tree Farm in Hollywood, says owner Greg Walters. "I think it's just the experience of the whole thing. A lot of people bring their lunch and dogs and make a day of it. It's no more expensive than if you went to a local lot and bought a tree," he says.

These days, going to a Christmas tree farm is about more than just trees and axes. There are plenty of family activities, too. At Lebanon Tree Farm, kids can enjoy a hayride around the site. Toogoodoo has a gift shop with fresh wreaths, made daily on the farm. Near the gift shop is Toogie, the talking Christmas tree, who will convey the kids' greatest holiday wishes to Santa. Toogoodoo also offers a petting zoo where kids can meet Pork Chop the Christmas pig, Frederick the cow, Clarisse the lamb, and pygmy goats Lila and Coco.

And on Saturdays and Sundays, the Toogoodoo Choo-Choo can take little ones for a ride around the Christmas trees.

Tree selection

Local tree farms grow several types of trees. Yerich says, "We grow Virginia pine. It has a pine fragrance to the needles. Leyland cypress is naturally shaped as a Christmas tree, and they don't shed needles. We only have to prune them lightly. Carolina Sapphire is an emerald-colored tree with a wonderful aroma to it. Those are the three main trees we grow, and we bring in some Fraser fir from North Carolina."

Toogoodoo also grows Carolina Sapphire, Leyland cypress and Virginia pine. "This year our Virginia pines are the most popular because they look better than they've ever looked," he says. "They hold a lot of ornaments because their limbs are sturdy. It took about four or five years of care to bring them back in shape."

When selecting your tree, local growers say to look for one that's even and full. "Some people try to decide where the tree is going and what they're going to hang on it," explains Walters. "Leyland cypress is not a good tree because its limbs are a little weaker. If there are only lights, then cypress and Sapphire are good trees."

Choosing a tree from the field allows you to find that perfect tree for you and yours. Before you cut it, gently shake the tree to see if any green needles fall. Don't be afraid to break a few needles and check for fragrance, both for insight into the tree's health and what scent fits your home. Be sure to choose a tree that will fit your stand. Too big or too small is no good.

Get fresh

Other considerations when choosing a tree are how long it will last and whether it will dry out by Christmas. "When you cut it, you know the day it is cut," says Walters. "A lot of trees in tree lots are cut in early November. It's already a month old (when you buy it) and well on its way to drying out."

Leyland cypress, Virginia pine and white pine stay fresh longer than other trees, the experts say. Cedars and cultivars of Arizona cypress, such as the Carolina Sapphire, are best cut two to three weeks before Christmas.

Another part of choosing a tree is finding the right size. "I had a grandmother come and cut down a 15-foot tree. She cut it down with her grandkids and when she went to put it on her Honda Civic, it was twice the length of her car, says Walters. "Be mindful of size since it's easy to lose perspective when you're standing in a field full of trees." He supplies measuring poles to tree hunters on his farm.

Both farms are equipped with everything needed to select and cut your own tree.

"We have saws, poles and if they don't want to cut it, someone on the farm can do it. We even have chain saws if it's a big tree," Walters says.

Yerich adds, "Most people like to cut their own. The kids get a kick out of cutting their own tree. We help clean them and net them and load them on their car. Some people like to bring their own saws, but we supply everything needed. All they need to do is come out."

Green-friendly

Simple and natural, Christmas trees are not only a staple of the season, but environmentally sound as well.

"I equate the aroma of a freshly cut tree with Christmas," Yerich says. "It's not Christmas without a fresh tree in the house. In today's society, everything's got to be artificial, and I think that's sad. A real tree is part of the old Christmas tradition that we should get into.

"The trees we plant are specifically designed to be Christmas trees," says Yerich. "With the green movement, it helps us to have trees year after year to help remove carbon dioxide from the air and make it fresher."

Proponents of real Christmas trees point out that trees are recyclable. They can be chipped into mulch, used for bird feeders or added to brush piles for wildlife habitats. On the other hand, fake trees are used on average for six to nine years before they are thrown into a landfill, where it will take centuries for them to decompose.

Most artificial Christmas trees are made of metals and plastics, many of which can be toxic. The plastic material, typically PVC, can be a potential source of hazardous lead.

Christmas trees in South Carolina

Eastern red cedar: If you grew up in South Carolina, you probably had one. Great smell but somewhat prickly. Not as long-lasting as pines, these trees are best cut two to three weeks before Christmas.

Leyland cypress: Long-lasting when kept in water. Virtually no shedding. Bark has a skinlike texture. When harvesting, take care not to tear the bark.

White pine: One of the less aromatic trees, with fewer allergic reactions than other more fragrant trees. Soft blue-green foliage.

Virginia pine: The most popular Christmas pine on South Carolina tree farms. Popular for its sturdy limbs, longevity and great pine scent.

Carolina sapphire: Soft to the touch with a blue-green color and very aromatic. A relatively new cultivar of Arizona Cypress developed at Clemson University in 1968. Its longevity is similar to cedar.

Before you bring the tree inside

--If your tree has been cut for more than one hour, recut at least 1 inch from the trunk and place the tree in plain water immediately.

--Make certain the container your tree is in has sufficient capacity to keep the trunk in water all the time. A fresh tree may use more than a gallon of water a day. If the tree is stored outside in water for several days, recut 1/2-inch from the stem just before you take it inside.

--Because your tree is a natural product, you can expect to find some dead needles, small limbs and grasses in the tree. Remove them before you bring the tree inside.

--If you are not going to take the tree inside for several days or more, store it out of the wind and sun in an unheated, sheltered area such as a garage or porch. Do not expose the tree to freezing temperatures at any time.

Play it safe

--Place your tree in a stable container that will hold 1-2 gallons of water.

--Check the water level each day. Keep the trunk base covered with water.

--Keep the tree away from heat sources such as hot-air ducts, radiators, fireplaces and television sets.

--Only use UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-approved lighting accessories. Test your light cords before you put them on your tree to be sure they are in good condition.

--Avoid combustible decorations such as candles or other open flame sources. Keep metal foil and tinsel away from electrical sockets.

--Make sure your smoke detector and fire extinguisher are in good working order.