Maryland Offers Plenty of Christmas Trees

Marylanders looking for an adventure and holiday memories can go to a tree farm and find the perfect Christmas tree.

Many families enjoy the tradition of putting up a real Christmas tree, but it’s possible to take the tradition one step further and cut a tree from a farm in Maryland. This can give families special memories that can last a lifetime, according to Wilma Muir, president of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association.

The association represents member farms around the state, including two in Howard County. Prices range from about $50 to more than $100 depending on the type of tree and farm selected. For every tree cut, farms plant two or three to replace trees. Picking a Christmas tree from a local tree farm can be a fun afternoon for families with children.

Besides the benefits of giving children lifelong memories, the association recommended buying a real Christmas tree because artificial trees have problems, she said. Most fake trees are imported from China and made from polyvinyl chloride. Artificial Christmas trees were added to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice’s list of household products containing PVC. The manufacture of PVC creates and disperses dioxins, which can cause cancer.

Families can choose several types of trees. Each type has benefits to families.

Fraser fir – lasts longer and carries heavier ornaments

Douglas fir – lasts longer and carries heavier

Concolor fir – good ornamental tree, citrus scent and unique coloring

Scotch pine – stiff branches are good for heavy ornaments

White pine – long soft needles are good if children are around

Blue spruce – usually known for ornamental landscape tree

Greenway Farms in Howard County has two locations, Woodbine and Cooksville. The farm features U-Cut White Pine, Douglas fir, Norway spruce and blue spruce; and fresh cut Fraser fir and douglas fir. The farm also has a Christmas shop which offers wreaths, roping, swags, beautiful poinsettias grown in greenhouses. Greenway provides refreshments, saws and toilet facilities. Farm staff will shake and bale the tree for free.

Families can pick a tree at the Triadelphia Lake View Tree in Glenelg, Md. The Howard County farm offers Scotch and White pine trees, douglas firs, blue spruce and fresh cut Fraser fir. Santa entertains the children on weekends while the staff give tree-hunters saws. In the farm store, families can get wreaths, ropes, homemade crafts and more. The farm staff will clean, drill and bale the tree for free.

Vacation Dayz wants its customers to enjoy the holiday season by making memories from finding and cutting a Christmas tree. The company offers the ability for families to travel for less by joining a travel club. It is not a time-share or a travel agency, but it can offer vacation deals to its members.

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Doug Donaldson is a member of The Village Connector Community News as well as president of Vacation Dayz. You may reach Doug at (240) 508-3839 or via email at: Doug@helloworld.com. Please find out more about Vacation Dayz by visiting them on the web at: http://vacationdayz.com/