Spreading holiday cheer from limb to limb

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — This year many folks are going local when it comes to their Christmas tree.

One woman named Cindy Koonce says she sticks with small farmers for the quality.

“Last year, my tree came in and it still had snow on it,” Koonce said. “I think that’s pretty fresh.”

Tree farmer Richard Phillips sells his trees at Tractor Supply Co. and next to Jungle Rapids. He says they cannot compete with the quantity of trees big box stores offer, so they go the extra mile.

“We don’t do lights, but we will bring it in for you,” Phillips said.

Other farms like the one in Hugh MacRae Park is hosted by the Optimist Club of Winter Park gives a large portion of their profits back to the community.

“Funds we collect go back into the community in one form or fashiopn,” Volunteer Frank Blackley said. “Whether it’s through our baseball or softball program or through different charities.”

When it comes to picking trees, pricing ranges depending on how much green stuff you’re willing to dish out for that christmas green stuff.

“If it looks perfect, it demands a little more price,” Phillips said.

But what makes the perfect Christmas tree? Is it the height, the fullness? Well as it turns out… it seems everyone has a different answer.

9 year-old tree farm volunteer Avery Lemley says it all depends on the customer.

“It’s not just what the tree has,” Lemley said. “It’s what you’re gonna do with the tree.”

A helpful tip for getting the tree you want at a price that wont break the bank… bald spots. If you’re planning on putting your tree against a wall, don’t shy away from trees that have a gap or are a little flat on one side. It could save you some cash for gifts.