For many, having a tree all decked out are what the holidays are all about! It involves a little work and knowing which pine to pick.
Christmas trees! Nationally, they`re a billion dollar industry and Pennsylvania is a big player when it comes to the profits, ranking second in the nation for Christmas tree farms with more than a million trees cut each year!
And our area has played a key role in getting the country into the Christmas spirit, even the first family! The official White House Christmas tree came from Carbon County`s crystal spring tree farm in Lehighton.
Retailers, including Ritter`s Farm Market in Lackawanna County said Fraser Firs are their big sellers because they seem to last the longest. The farm is bracing for a sleighful of people.
"This weekend will be massive," said Jim Ritter.
But before you leave home to hunt for your Christmas tree. The pros at this place in the Mount Cobb area said make sure you measure the space you plan to put it in so it can be cut to fit.
As for choosing the actually tree: The greener, the better. It`s usually a sign it`s healthy and if this happens.
Once you find the right fit? A few tips to make the tree last: keep it away from heat sources. It`ll not only prevent it from drying out, but also cut down on fire hazards. Another suggestion: Lots of water for the tree, just don`t add any chemicals.
"We`ve had people tell us all kinds of horror stories. About trying everything and it kills the tree. It blocks up the veins where the water is supposed to go. Just put water in the tree, check it every day, and you`ll be fine," said Ritter.
And it`s not only real trees that are sellers for this weekend and next. But also, artificial ones. Workers at Shaffer`s Hardware in Hamlin, Wayne County tell us they see a spike in business as well with folks looking to deck the halls but not deal with the mess when it`s all said and done.
"They`re easy, they`re neat. They`re clean. They don`t want the dead needles at the end of the year and they want the ease of a pre-lit tree or a non lit that they can light themselves," said Tom Leslie, of Shaffer's Hardware.