The Sweet Smell of Cyprus, etc

By Barbara Capogna-Moras

"Ideas For A Green Holiday"

It’s that time of year again when Christmas is right around the corner and thoughts on home decorating are in the backs of our minds. For some of you, the biggest dilemma is what kind of Christmas tree to get and where to get it. I recall a time when my dad, sisters, and I took a trip to the mountains in upstate New York to hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. Those were the days when we would bundle ourselves up in our finest winter gear, including the wool mittens, scarves, moon boots and jackets that would make us look like we were getting ready for deep sea diving. Those were the days when we had real winters, winters where the snow would stay on the ground for months at a time and we wouldn’t see spring until Easter.
On this particular trip, we trekked through about three feet of snow into the deep recesses of a glade owned by a friend of my dad’s, in which we were allowed to find our tree. One stipulation was that we had to chop it down ourselves, hence the name “choose-and cut.” My dad did the actual chopping while we were just there to supervise and pick out the right tree. Our perfect pine tree was about 5 and a half feet tall, very full branches and a wonderful scent. That was one of many Decembers when my parents’ house always smelled like fresh pine needles that added to the ambiance of the season. We would never get a fake tree! But alas, after my sisters & I left for college and started our own lives, my parents went the fake tree route. Since I have two dogs, I’ve also gone the route of a fake tree, something I vowed I’d never do until I learned the dangers of real trees around pets. I can appreciate those people who still get real trees and love visiting the tree sellers.

There are several places in Georgia to look for the right tree for your home. Georgia Tree Farms are numerous but before you go on that tree hunt, you should first decide what kind of a tree you want. There are several species in Georgia such as the Fraser Fir, Leyland Cypress, White Pine and Virginia Pine. The type of tree depends upon what is available for your area.

Next, you must determine the proper height, decided upon by where you want to put the tree and whether all sides of the tree must be seen. And don’t forget to add in the height of the tree topper!

. So you’re ready for the hunt. There are several choose-and-cut farms and places to buy pre-cut trees. Located in Lawrenceville, THOMPSON’S TREE FARM is easy to reach from all parts of Atlanta. The farm includes fall field trips, hayrides, story time and a free large pumpkin for classroom teachers. Choose-and-cut trees include Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, and Murray Cypress as well as Fraser Firs. They also sell wreaths, garland and various crafts. You can find them and Santa on 1829 Prospect Road, Lawrenceville, 30042. Directions: Take I-85, exit 115 go east toward Lawrenceville, at the fourth light take a left onto Old Peachtree Rd, take a right on Prospect Rd. Phone: 770-513-2552.

Located in Gainesville is the KINSEY FAMILY FARM, offering an array of choose-and-cut, pre-cut trees, wreaths and boughs, also includes a Christmas-themed park and wagon rides. Take GA 400 6 miles north of the exit 17 bridge. At the intersection of GA 400 and Jot-em Down Rd, take a right and go 4 miles. The farm is at 7170 Jot-em Down Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506, Phone: 770-887-6028.
Also, close to home is HUNTERS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, located on 14680 Wood Rd, Alpharetta, GA, phone: 770-475-0713. In addition to choose-and-cut tress of Leyland Cypress and Murray Cypress, the farm also includes complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

For a hunt outside of Gwinnett and Fulton County, a few miles up I-75, off of I-575 is BERRY PATCH FARMS. This quaint farm also includes hayrides and hot cider, funnel cakes on the weekends. Located seven miles east of Woodstock, take exit 8, east on Towne Lake Parkway, go 7miles. Also located in Cherokee County is the DEERWOODS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM. Take I-575 North to Exit 19 (Ga. 20) go east toward Cumming for 7.5 miles. At second right, take left on E. Cherokee Drive, and then right on Henry Scott Rd. Follow the signs to the farm on the left. Phone: 770-479-1387.

As you look at trees, examine the needles. The needles should adhere to the branch and not fall off, be flexible, not brittle. The tree should have a nice green color and pleasant fragrance. Shake the tree before purchase to eliminate loose needles. Check out the sturdiness of the branches to make sure that your ornaments, garland, etc. will hang properly.
The Christmas trees farms in Georgia are numerous. Before you venture out, call the farm before you go to check on information and hours of operation. There are many websites to surf to find the perfect farm and the perfect tree. Check out these websites:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!