If you’re planning to get a real tree this holiday season, read on to learn about the magic of Fraser Fir trees and where you can get one of these live Christmas trees near Birmingham!
There are few holiday traditions as timeless and nostalgic as selecting the family Christmas tree. For many of us, it’s more than just a decoration—it’s the heart of the home during the most wonderful time of the year. The sight of twinkling lights wrapped around fragrant branches, the sound of Christmas carols playing in the background, and the chilly winter air combine to transport me back to my childhood, where my love for the Christmas tree first began.
I vividly remember being seven years old, back in 1995, when my family—mom, dad, brother, and I—would pile into the truck and head out on our annual quest for the perfect tree. While there were a few years when we found a good one on our farm, most of the time, we made our way to the Lloyds Christmas Tree Lot just off Highway 280 in Inverness. For 32 years, the Daniels family has been bringing freshly cut Christmas trees straight from the forests of North Carolina, and for as long as I can remember, we’ve always brought home the same kind—a Fraser Fir.
There’s something truly special about Fraser Firs. They aren’t just beautiful—with their long green needles and perfectly shaped branches—but they also seem to be made to hold our beloved collection of family ornaments.
Native to the Appalachian Mountains, the North Carolina Fraser Fir Christmas tree is one of North America’s most popular Christmas trees! It is shipped to every state in the U.S. and numerous international locations. Not only do they have sturdy branches perfect for ornaments, but they also have superior needle retention, so your tree will look its best all season long.
From childhood crafts held together by copious amounts of Elmer’s glue to heirlooms marking “Baby’s First Christmas,” our tree tells the story of our family. Whether it’s a clay cowboy boot, a Poarch Creek Indian medallion from my husband’s heritage, or the massive handcrafted ornaments my grandparents collected from their travels, these sturdy branches support the weight of our memories, year after year.
But the real magic? The scent.
No candle or room spray can ever capture the fresh, wintry fragrance of a real North Carolina Fraser Fir. It’s the smell that takes me back to my childhood, sitting on the floor of our log home, helping my brother hang ornaments while my dad hummed “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays.” I can still hear his voice, see my mom’s careful eye ensuring the tree was straight, and feel the sudden burst of excitement when the tree toppled over, rolling across the back of the couch. Thankfully, no one was hurt—but I’ll never forget the look of determination on my dad’s face as he tied that tree to the rafters with a fishing line and a staple gun, ensuring it wouldn’t fall again.
You see, my dad had a little bit of Clark Griswold in him. He wasn’t content with a modest-sized tree. Every year, we’d walk past the perfectly lovely trees under the tent, and he’d head straight to the back wall, where the “monster” trees stood—8, 9, sometimes 10 feet tall. And every year, my mom would gently remind him that we didn’t need a tree quite that big. But, of course, he’d get his way, and we’d haul home a tree so large that you could practically build a treehouse in it.
Now, as a mom myself, I carry on the tradition.
Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, my family and I head back to the Lloyds Christmas Tree Lot (which is moving to 119 this year). We walk up and down the rows, debating which tree is “the one.” Once we bring it home, the Christmas music fills the house, and we jump right into decorating. With Eggnog and hot chocolate in hand, we drape lights and hang ornaments long before the rest of the house gets its holiday touch.
In all its glowing glory, this tree has seen my family through countless holiday seasons. I’ve rocked my babies by its light, watched them eagerly unwrap presents beneath it, and reminisced with it by my side, remembering my childhood and those Christmases past.
For me, nothing says Christmas quite like a fresh Fraser Fir standing tall in the center of our home. Even if, just like in my childhood, it needs a little extra help—like some fishing line and a staple gun—to keep it upright.
So, from my family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy tree hunting!
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.
Lloyd’s Christmas Tree Lot (Daniels Family Trees)
5301 Highway 280
Birmingham, AL
The lot was planning to open this year in a new space with the restaurant closing but the new location was not ready in time. The Lloyd’s restaurant lot owners allowed the Daniels family to set up the red and white striped tent there one last time. Customers can stop by from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m starting on November 17.
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.
