As the temperature drops, nights get longer, the weather becomes less forgiving, and we start spending less time outdoors. Wreaths, trees, and lights go up as we prepare for the holidays. Instead of spending all your time standing in line at the big box stores looking for your gifts and decorations, opt outside and get some fresh air by collecting your own Christmas tree from public land.
When it comes to a Christmas Tree, there's nothing better than the real thing. Artificial trees don't produce that glorious evergreen aroma, much less oxygen. While there's some debate over which is more environmentally friendly, most artificial trees are made overseas from toxic, non-renewable plastics. Real trees grown on American soil stimulate domestic economies, and for every real tree that is cut, several more are planted. You can always get a live tree from one of our local nurseries and plant it later too.
One of my favorite public land opportunities is picking a tree from re-prod and bringing it home. Make sure you're obtaining the proper permits and have permission, don't just drive out in the woods and start cutting.
The Corvallis Siuslaw National Forest office offers permits to retrieve a tree from public land.
This area is also home to several Christmas Tree Farms where you can pick up a fresh-cut tree for your home.
Besides the Christmas Tree Farms, our local nurseries offer a wonderland of potted live trees, greenery, some fresh-cut trees as well as holiday decor: Garland Nursery on the north side of Corvallis and Shonnard's Nursery in Philomath.
Article by Randall Bonner. Photo: Donovan Tree Farm by Brittany Rossmanao Films. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
