Oh Christmas Tree!-This guide compares the practices of organic, natural Christmas tree growers in Virginia, Texas and North Carolina with conventional growers

By Jim Minick

On Christmas morning when the family is gathered around the tree, the last thing on your mind is pesticides. Unfortunately, many tree farming practices degrade the environment and disrupt natural ecosystems. A few Christmas tree growers, however, challenge these conventional practices by foregoing harmful chemicals.

Christmas tree farming is a long-term commitment because a tree takes six to ten years to mature. Some natural growers include:

  • Clover Hollow Christmas Tree Farm: Newport, Virginia. (540) 544-7192; SWVa.net/tbd.
  • Glen Ayre Tree Farm: Mitchell County, North Carolina. (423) 753-5160.
  • Nature’s Own Farm, Marshall, North Carolina. (828) 656-8178 Home.nclink.net/plouffe.
  • Texas Organic Nursery & Christmas Tree Farm: Mexia, Texas. (254) 562-6306 TexasOrganicNursery.com.