Douglas Fir at Carnation Tree Farm

According to the Thursday, December 10th issue of the Seattle Times a rare Chinese conifer (Keteleeria evelyniana) was cut down and stolen from the Washington Park Arboretum this week.  Arboretum workers discovered the theft Wednesday.  The tree was one of two in the entire Arboretum.  Most likely it was cut down to be someone’s Christmas tree.  It doesn’t have the aspect or look of a Fir, Pine, Spruce or other types of evergreens used for Christmas trees, but that didn’t stop the person(s) who cut it down.   I guess they didn’t realize the significance of it.  Its greatest value was in the seeds it could produce to further propagate the species.  Cutting your own Christmas tree is still a great idea and can save you some money – just don’t do it at the Arboretum!

If you go to the Carnation Tree Farm (a favorite of mine!) and cut your own tree you can get a A Douglas Fir up to 12′ for $30.00, a Grand Fir up to 10′ for $40.00 and a Noble Fir up to 7 ‘ for $55.00.  Pre-cut trees at the farm are going to cost you more.  Here are more links to sources for local Christmas trees in Washington and Oregon.  The more recently the tree has been cut the more fragrant it will be and the fewer needles it will drop, provided you take care of it once you get it home.  Depending on your budget, the size of the tree you want to purchase,  and whether or not you are willing to leave the city limits, you’ll want to consider the following facts.

The trees you get at the in-city lots will usually cost more (unless you want a smaller tree) than cutting a tree yourself, and may have been cut up to three months ago.   Depending on where you live, your Christmas tree may be traveling across state lines.  If you are a fan of the Frasier Fir your tree may be traveling cross-country just to spend a couple of weeks dropping needles in your living room.

Noble Fir at Carnation Tree Farm

If fragrance is your priority you might want to get a Douglas Fir.  Douglas Fir is the least expensive tree but unfortunately it will drop the most needles in your house.  A Grand Fir is a great second choice for fragrance and is less messy.  Then there is the good old Noble Fir which has the most open aspect, not as much fragrance and the least messy of the three in terms of dropping needles.

At City People’s Garden Store in Madison Valley you can buy a pre-cut tree that has been shipped from Washington or Oregon.  The 5-6′ Douglas Fir sells for $45.00, a 5-6′ Grand Fir for  $49.00, or a  5-6′ Noble Fir for $59.00.  Their trees are shipped in every couple of days and may have been cut up to a week ago by the time you get them home.

At Lowe’s you can get pre-cut trees.  There wasn’t anyone available when I was there who knew where they were shipped from, or how often they are shipped in.  They offer a 6′ Doug Fir for $20.00, a 6′ Grand Fir for $33.00 or a 6′ Noble Fir for $40.00.

Wherever you choose to get your tree don’t forget to slice the dry end off of the tree trunk before you put it into your tree stand.  Keep the tree well supplied with water in order to enjoy the freshness longer.

Happy Holidays!