Oh Christmas Tree

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December 7, 2012 by ET

Well y’all, it’s Christmas. Before you ever have a chance to let the tryptophan from your Turkey Day leftovers knock you into a slumber, it’s time to get holly jolly. Don’t cue up Bing Crosby just yet, because there’s work to do before you can unwind with a glass of eggnog. Head to the attic, the shed, the dreaded crawl space, and pull out the tangle of lights and box of ornaments you’ve been stashing since January. Let’s set out to find that Christmas tree.

I can’t think of a greater tradition than dashing through the snow and cutting down your own Christmas tree. Okay, so maybe the snow is hit or miss in the South, but there are definite perks to not having to worry about bitter winds and sub polar temperatures when looking for the perfect pine. Mild weather is even more of an excuse to find a local farm to purchase your tannenbaum.

After a weekend of early holiday festivities (bourbon) in Bowling Green, Kentucky, my husband and I decided to find a Christmas tree grower in the Bluegrass state. I was excited when I learned about Hartman Tree Farm in Bowling Green. We followed directions through a suburban neighborhood, confident we were on track only thanks to the “Christmas trees this way” signs and arrows spray painted on sheets of plywood.

We took a right into a long driveway, which took us past a house and into the property’s backyard. Quaint, no frills and not an inflatable Santa in sight, what Hartman Tree Farm may lack in atmosphere for some, it makes up for in price. Trees in the lot are a steal of a deal at $30 (cash only). Where most lots charge by the foot, at Hartman’s, two foot table toppers and nine foot ceiling show stoppers are the same low cost. The family run farm has been providing trees to place presents under since the 1980s, and their choose and cut process for a low price has clearly kept them in business.

I took a walk on the property to examine trunk strength and needle coloration. There were a few other families on the hunt, but not the usual chaotic crowd that tree farms tend to attract. After almost committing a few times, we found the tree that was perfect enough for us. We called over David, the owner, who greeted us with a chainsaw.

After the tree was cut, we took it back through the woods to the front of the farm, where our tree was shaken, baled and put in the back of our truck.

We handed over our cash and headed on our merry way.

The tree was trimmed and the smell of fresh pine needles and Christmas spirit fills our home.

Not too shabby for $30, huh? Don’t be artificial, choose a live tree this season. Word on the street is that old man in red prefers it that way. Hey now, I’m talking about Santa, not the Christmas tree farmer pictured above!