Average cost of a real Christmas tree

[Donnainnj]

We have had good luck the last few years with Costco trees. Picked up this years a couple of days ago for $27.99. They seem to be nicer then the ones we would get in the lots, and I just pick one the size and density I want, no longer an hour looking for the perfect one in the cold.
Donna

 

[pigletto]

Unless you're allergic. OP - I'd make sure no one in your house is allergic to them. I never had a real tree when I was younger. One year my sister convinced my parents to get a real one. My sister and I were both stuffy while it was in the house. And then if we brushed up against it we got a rash.

Never got another real tree.

Interesting. I get a contact rash from the Christmas tree. I use gloves to string the lights or my forearms get a prickly red rash all over them. Thankfully though it has never bothered my sinuses. I always assumed it was because I was fair skinned and a lot of things bug my skin.. I never realized it might be an allergy.

 

[Colleen27]

We paid $32 today at the cut-your-own place we go to. We've always had a real tree for our big/main tree (I also have an artificial for the dining room and a potted rosemary "tree" in the kitchen). It is more expensive than an artificial tree but it is one of those things that I feel is worth the cost - we have a great time choosing/cutting our tree, I love the way a real pine smells, and buying real trees helps keep tree farms in business rather than being bought up for development.

 

[QueenElinor]

We bought a beautiful pre-lit Christmas tree about 7 years ago. It's still really nice but I've never had a real tree. Is it foolish to buy one for this year? Are they very expensive? How do you take care of it, do I need a special stand for a real tree?

I don't know what's around Gilbert, but in the West if you're not too far from Federal Forest Service land it's $10 (that's right, ten bucks) for a tree cutting permit. It's been a family tradition of ours since I was a little kid in WY. Now I live in MT and take my kids out for the day, with sledding, sandwiches and lots of hot chocolate.

Here's a link to one such program:http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5336615

I do not know if there is a similar program in Arizona. There is in MT (and WA also, I believe) so I know the program above is not the only one. They give you a bright orange tag for the tree so any rangers in the area will know you paid. Of course, you can take that off once you get it home.

Wild trees are far from perfect- they're all pretty much Charlie Brown Christmas trees! But they do have character, and you can cut them up to about 12-15 feet tall.

Real trees are heavy, I would recommend a cast iron stand. As others have said, cut the bottom off of it right before you put it in the stand no matter where you get it. If you cut it yourself it will really take up water in the first few days and it's important not to let it get dry, but it'll last for over a month if you take care of it. When you are done with it, try to locate a landscaper who might like to have it for compost or to chip for mulch. In my town, the city does this to use for the parks. And if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you will want to keep a Yule log for next year. Have fun!

Edit: The people at the Forest Service office will give you a map and show you where to go, but a four-wheel-drive is pretty much required.

 

[Princessnurse926]

No, no no. If you want the real Christmas expierance you do NOT purchase your tree where you purchase you eggs and shampoo. Has Chevy Chase taught you nothing? You jump into the front wheel sleigh and head out into the wildnerness to CUT down your own Chrismas tree. The stand, yes you may purchase at the Kroger or Walmart. When you get the tree home, don't let Snotz drink too much water out of it, otherwise, when Uncle Louis lights his cigar by it you will find yourself tree-less. Follow the above steps and you'll have a happier Christmas then the time Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kayne.

 

[cjackearl]

A little ot, but we bought a real tree this year for the first time in years. I was so looking forward to the scent of evergreen filling the room, but our Frasier fir, though beautiful, hardly has any scent. Is it the type of tree or is nostalgia making me remember the smell being stronger?

 

[Colleen27]

A little ot, but we bought a real tree this year for the first time in years. I was so looking forward to the scent of evergreen filling the room, but our Frasier fir, though beautiful, hardly has any scent. Is it the type of tree or is nostalgia making me remember the smell being stronger?

It is the type. We stick mostly to scotch pine for a nice, strong, lasting scent; I like the way fir and blue spruce look but the smell is part of the attraction for me and they both fall short on that measure.

 

[mimmi]

It's so interesting to me, reading about christmas in other countries, so I contribute even though it's not interesting to you:
8 ft, at least 70$, my father once even spent 160$ when he bought our tree in the city (my mother was super angry that christmas).
This year they will supposedly be more expensive because of a shortage (we/ Christkind/Santa put up our christmas trees 24/12, so they are not available yet).
Plastic trees are very uncommon over here, I, for example, don't now anybody with a fake tree, although they are sold at diy-markets.
Ah, i love buying the tree, can't hardly wait.

 

[diamondpixienc]

I have never paid more than $50 and have always had an 8 to 10 footer Just go with cash and haggle a little. All they can say is no so just keep on moving to the next one because there seem to be tree lots on every other corner, atleast around here they do.

 

[libinatorsmom]

We went to a cut your own! Got a 6' Sprue at $6 a foot - so $36 - hubby gave them 40 and said keep the change... We love the real tree

 

[pigletto]

A little ot, but we bought a real tree this year for the first time in years. I was so looking forward to the scent of evergreen filling the room, but our Frasier fir, though beautiful, hardly has any scent. Is it the type of tree or is nostalgia making me remember the smell being stronger?

We got a Frasier Fir. It smelled wonderful in the garage, and great when I put it up Saturday. Yesterday and today I have to go right up to it to smell it though. I don't know if I have just gotten used to it but indeed it doesn't seem as fragrant as other types.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

We're in Maryland and always get Fraser Firs. We usually pay about $75 for an 8' tree.

We invested in a really nice stand, after running into issues with our stand not being side enough.

Definitely inspect for critters/bug sacs (I speak from experience ). Keep it watered. It will drink a lot at first, and then slow down after a couple weeks. Try to avoid having it right by an air vent.

If you have animals, consider using something to attach it to the wall. Our 1 year old Golden chased a cat behind the tree last year, and the entire tree fell. We lost our Disney tree topper and several good ornaments.

 

[tyniknate]

$22 for our 9.5' tree. Got it straight from the tree farm where we always go. The owner was our oldest DS's first grade teacher and that year she gave all of her students a coupon for a free treee. What better advertising!?! We have been going back ever since and she loves to see him and find out what is happening in his life.

 

[bedogged]

We have had good luck the last few years with Costco trees. Picked up this years a couple of days ago for $27.99. They seem to be nicer then the ones we would get in the lots, and I just pick one the size and density I want, no longer an hour looking for the perfect one in the cold.
Donna

Here in Denver Costco has Noble Spruce for $44.00 each. They seem really fresh, but I won't buy one there because they don't let you pick the tree out. They give you a wrapped tree and if you don't like it when you get home, you can return it. No thanks!

I usually buy my tree at the local nursery. They run about $75 to $100 for a very fresh Noble Spruce. They are the best in my opinion because they do not drop needles.

 

[Minnesota!]

7 foot Frasier Fir from Home Depot - cost us under $40. It's HUGE.

 

[kyra's mommy]

We did it! We went to a nursery, a tree lot and finally Home Depot and for selection/ price we were happiest with Home Depot. I don't know what kind of tree it is but it has a very strong, pine smell. I have to admit the allergy/ bug thing was starting to freak me out but we forged ahead anyway. I couldn't be happier. I love having a real tree in the house, it feels so much more special, especially with that amazing smell.

Thank you all so much for your advice and thoughts!!!!!!!!!

Oh and it was $25 (6 ft. tree) , the stand was $12.50, the tree preservative was $2 and the long pole thing to water it was $6. Such a bargain.

 

[QueenElinor]

No, no no. If you want the real Christmas expierance you do NOT purchase your tree where you purchase you eggs and shampoo. Has Chevy Chase taught you nothing? You jump into the front wheel sleigh and head out into the wildnerness to CUT down your own Chrismas tree. The stand, yes you may purchase at the Kroger or Walmart. When you get the tree home, don't let Snotz drink too much water out of it, otherwise, when Uncle Louis lights his cigar by it you will find yourself tree-less. Follow the above steps and you'll have a happier Christmas then the time Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kayne.

It's true! Cutting the tree is quite the big deal at our house- we had to go the day after Thanksgiving because the two kids in college were home and didn't want to miss out.

After the whole cutting expedition, we bring it home, drink eggnog, and decorate it while watching The Muppets Christmas Carol. Every single year we do it exactly the same way.

We did it! We went to a nursery, a tree lot and finally Home Depot and for selection/ price we were happiest with Home Depot. I don't know what kind of tree it is but it has a very strong, pine smell. I have to admit the allergy/ bug thing was starting to freak me out but we forged ahead anyway. I couldn't be happier. I love having a real tree in the house, it feels so much more special, especially with that amazing smell.

Thank you all so much for your advice and thoughts!!!!!!!!!

Oh and it was $25 (6 ft. tree) , the stand was $12.50, the tree preservative was $2 and the long pole thing to water it was $6. Such a bargain.

Good for you! I personally have never had a fake tree. The real thing is just so... Christmas-y.

 

[ChiCat]

I price shopped and got mine from a tree farm and paid $84 for my barely 6' fir