Dreaming of a Green Christmas

There’s more to love about a real Christmas tree than the pretty ornaments.

And it might be difficult to find a bigger advocate for than Keith Bode.

Bode has been selling Christmas trees for 48 years—starting from the time his mother was pregnant with him.

That's long enough for him to have seen purchases trend away from the traditional Christmas tree, the balsam fir, to the Fraser—introduced about 20 years ago—to the latest offering, the Canaan fir, a cross between balsam and Fraser firs, which was introduced about five years ago.

It's become one of his more popular trees because it pairs the longevity of the Fraser with the aroma of the balsam.

A Northfield resident and landscaper, Bode and his partner, Will Vanvliet, sell trees and more at a lot next to Jesse James Lanes on Highway 3.

Tree-growers in Minnesota cite a number of factors—both environmental and economic—that make their products preferable to their artificial competition.

“Bringing a real Christmas tree into the home is a tradition that goes back centuries. The tree's pleasant aroma gives an instant reminder that Christmas is in the air,” says the Rum River and Hampton Hills Tree Farms website at CutYourOwn.com.

Living trees, the site notes, are a renewable, recyclable resource: “Artificial trees, on the other hand, average a lifespan of only six years; then [they] are tossed in a landfill, where they lie in a composed state for centuries.”

The look of a tree plucked from earth adds an element that artificial trees can't, advocates say.

"People like the natural look," Becky Guneratne, co-owner of , told . "Its more open branch structure allows ornaments to hang nicely."

And a live tree can be repurposed in many creative ways that an artificial tree can’t.

The Minnesota Christmas Tree Association reports that of the approximately 33 million living Christmas trees are sold in North America annually, “about 93 percent … are recycled through more than 4,000 available recycling programs.”

For example, according to the Rum River and Hampton Hills Tree Farms website, communities use the chippings for mulch, hiking trails, playground areas, animal stalls or landscaping: “Whatever the disposal method, real trees are 100 percent biodegradable, and all are ultimately recycled back into nature.”

And then there are the economics.

Harvesting your own lush, sweet-smelling green tree not only helps you “go green,” it also generates some green—dollars, that is—for your community, reports the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

“Buying a locally grown Christmas tree benefits the local economy by keeping your dollars working at home in Minnesota," the department says.

Every year, there are approximately 25-30 million living Christmas trees sold in the U.S., according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Of those, Minnesota Christmas tree farmers market approximately 500,000, reports the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Some 85 percent of fake trees in the United States are imported from China, according to the National Christmas Tree Association; nearly 10 million were sold worldwide in 2003.

“Unlike artificial trees, which are mostly manufactured overseas, U.S. Christmas tree farms provide jobs for over 100,000 people employed full or part time in the industry,” reports the Rum River and Hampton Hills Tree Farms. 

Cut-Your-Own or Buy From a Lot?

You can choose and cut your own, or you can select one that is precut (also called pre-harvested or “fresh cut”), according to PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org.

Aside from the fun experience of making it a truly personal and memorable experience, you get to choose exactly what variety of tree, its size and appearance, from among hundreds or thousands of possibilities.

Many local pick-your-own Christmas Tree farms offer free refreshments—including must-have apple cider and hot chocolate—and additional fun activities, including wagon or hay rides, real reindeer and farm animals or petting zoos and gift shops.

“Each Minnesota Christmas tree farm has its own unique personality,” says the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website. “Some offer a quiet, peaceful setting, while others feature family activities, like visits with Santa and sleigh rides.”

The fragrant, fresh trees are often used for fundraising activities during the holidays, too. Some nonprofit organizations sell live Christmas trees for charity at local business parking lots. This is an ideal option if you don’t feel like cutting your own but still yearn for that one-of-a-kind living tree to perfume your home with the familiar scent of the season. 

It’s Coming On Christmas, They’re Cutting Down Trees

Be prepared before you grab your bow saw—PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org suggests a few practical tips for a great day at the tree farm:

• Pack for a day trip, including snacks, hand towels or disposable wipes and plenty of liquids to drink.
• Dress for comfort, and choose old clothes and hiking boots or old athletic shoes so you’re not worried about staining or tearing your clothes or ruining your shoes.
• Bring heavy gloves to protect your hands and a jacket or other garment to protect your arms.
• Dress for the weather and bring layered clothing, some extra socks and a blanket—especially if you have children.
• Don't forget the camera!

Here are some tips from local sellers to get the most from your tree:

• Cut off a disk from the base of the trunk. Sap has sealed the tree's trunk. Removing a half-inch disk before placing the tree in its stand will help it take up water and stay fresh longer.
• Water the tree each morning and evening. Provide hot water for its first drink once it's in its stand, according to Bode. Guneratne says the trunk can become resealed within an hour of it running out of water so frequent watering is required.
• Plan to water it at least morning and evening. A tree will dry more quickly in a warm room, so consider lowering the temperature in the room where the tree is displayed.
• Choose lights wisely. Smaller lights create less heat and thus reduce drying. Also, be sure to place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, heat vents and direct sunlight.
• Dispose of your tree properly. Check with your garbage hauler or with the city offices at 507-645-8833 for information about how to dispose of your tree after the holidays.

Northfield Tree Lots

Keith Bode and Will Vanvliet tree lot, Hwy. 3 South, next to
10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Christmas Eve
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

, 600 Division St. S., Northfield
507-645-7078
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
The last day for tree sales at Eco Gardens is Dec. 23, when it will close until spring.

Kraewood Conifers, Greenvale Avenue at Plum Street North, Northfield
Self-service cut-your-own trees
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday
10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday