If you’re planning to get a real tree this holiday season, read on to learn about the magic of Fraser Firs and where you can get one of these live Christmas trees near Birmingham!
The holidays are our favorite time of the year, and the highlight of our traditions is picking out a Christmas tree. While we have weighed the pros and cons of an artificial tree, we are wholeheartedly on team “live tree.” There is something special about going to a farm and picking out the perfect tree. My husband and I both grew up with fond memories of live trees and knew that we wanted to continue that tradition in our own family. Even as far back as our first newlywed Christmas, we braved the sweltering Texas heat to cut down our tree to take home to our dog children.
Now that we have human children, the process is even more fun (although sometimes we bite our tongues as we think “Really? That’s the one you want to pick?!” to our toddlers).
Fraser Firs are, by far, our preferred Christmas tree because of their natural beauty and sturdy branches that can hold our ever-growing collection of crafted ornaments.
Native to the Appalachian Mountains, the North Carolina Fraser Fir Christmas tree is one of the most popular Christmas trees in North America! It is shipped to every state in the U.S. and numerous international locations as well. Not only do they have sturdy branches perfect for ornaments, but they also have superior needle retention, so your tree will look it’s best all season long. Nothing beats the festive scent of a Fraser Fir, either!
One year, our preschool’s fundraiser was selling Fraser Firs from up north. The trees arrived on a huge truck still dusted with snow, which was magical for us in the deep south where we might see flurries for a day every other year. After my prophylactic double mastectomy, the first time I was able to hold my baby was right after we decorated our tree. I held her tight after 6 long weeks of strict lifting restrictions, and we looked at ornaments together. Talk about magic!
Our personal favorite way to get our tree is by visiting a family-owned farm, going for a hayride or hiking to the forest, sipping hot chocolate, and taking our time choosing The One.
At the end of the season, we either drop the tree into our pond (the fish love it!) or use it for outdoor firewood. The cycle of supporting a local farm, enjoying the fresh tree scent all season, and then using it for another purpose—that’s zero waste in my book!
This holiday season, I encourage you to visit a local Christmas tree vendor and enjoy the festivities. You’re sure to experience the magic only a real tree can provide and have a wonderful time making precious memories!
Where to Find A NC Fraser Fir Tree Near Birmingham
Old Baker Farm
184 Furrow Lane
Harpersville, AL 35078
Phone: 205-672-7209
Website
Old Baker Farm has many types of trees to choose from, including our favorite, Fraser Firs from North Carolina! The tree farm will open the day after Thanksgiving, November 24th, and stay open through December 24th. Their hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until dark. Admission is free. They also have complimentary hot apple cider, candy canes, and a hayride through the Christmas trees!
Howell Christmas Trees
3923 Crosshaven
Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Phone: 205-566-5229
Website
Howell Christmas Trees has been a Birmingham tradition since 1983. The opening day will be November 24th. They are open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Poppy’s Christmas Trees
4476 Montevallo Road
Irondale, AL 35213
Phone: 205-266-7595
Website
Poppy’s Christmas Trees has been serving the Birmingham area for 35 years with North Carolina trees. The opening day will be Friday, November 24th. They are open six days a week from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. On Sunday, they open at 10 a.m. If you’re ready to pick a tree here, then you better move quickly because they tend to sell out fast!
Mountain Scouts Tree Sale
Vestavia
Scout Square
741 Montgomery Highway
Nov 18 – Dec 19, 2023
Open Mon-Fri 12:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Phone: 205-675-0019
Website
Hoover
The Grove Shopping Center
5561 Grove Blvd
Nov 18 – Dec 10, 2023
Open Mon-Fri 5 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Phone: 205-538-1498
Website
Homewood
Shades Cahaba Elementary School
3001 Independence Drive
Nov 18 – Dec 10, 2023
Open Mon-Fri 5 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Phone: 205-783-1188
Website
Since 1959, the Mountain Scouts Tree Sale has been selling Christmas trees to raise funds for Boy Scout Troops in the over the mountain area. Volunteers, Scouts, and their parents run the Christmas tree lots located in Vestavia, Hoover, and Homewood.
