Where To Buy Or Cut Your Own Fresh Christmas Tree In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — People in Alexandria who prefer fresh-cut Christmas trees — whether they cut down trees themselves or buy from a retail lot — shouldn’t have any trouble finding them in 2022, according to a survey of Christmas tree growers by an industry trade group.

The prediction by the Real Christmas Tree Board comes after a survey of 55 wholesalers that supply two-thirds of the market for fresh trees and 1,500 U.S. adults ages 21-49.

“The real Christmas tree industry met demand last year, and it will meet demand this year,” Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, said in a news release. “This is essentially a year without surprises.”

Residents of Alexandria have numerous options:

Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees: Trinity United Methodist Church - 2911 Cameron Mills Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302. Due to a tree shortage and Landmark Mall construction, the Christmas tree sale will have limited hours only on Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11. On select dates, sales will happen at the National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC, and National Landing BID/23rd Street Restaurant Row, 556 22nd St S, Arlington, VA 22202.

Alexandria Police Youth Camp Christmas Tree Sale: 110 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA. Christmas tree sales start on Nov. 25 and will continue until sold out. Sales support the Alexandria Police Youth Camp. Hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends.

Church of St. Clement: 1701 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA. The Christmas tree stand will open Nov. 26 until sold out. Hours are Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Greenstreet Gardens: 1721 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA and 5905 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA. Pick out a Christmas tree and browse selections of fresh greens, wreaths, roping, garlands and holiday decorations.

Lowes: 6750 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA. Pick out a fresh Christmas tree at this home improvement store.

Home Depot: 400 S. Pickett St. Alexandria, VA, 7710 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA or 6555 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA. Christmas trees, wreaths, garland and holiday plants are sold.

Mount Vernon Kiwanis: Belle View Shopping Center, Belle View Boulevard and Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA. The 67th annual Christmas tree sale brings in Christmas trees from Southwest Virginia and North Carolina. The sale benefits local charities and high school scholarships. The sale begins Nov. 26 through Dec. 21. Hours are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends.

Washington Farm United Methodist Church: 3921 Old Mill Rd., Alexandria, VA. The Christmas Tree Project raises money to support the community through the church's ministry and mission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. The sale is now open and will have Friday, Nov. 25 hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Meadow Farms Nurseries: 6461 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA and other locations in Northern Virginia. Christmas trees are available with online ordering for pickup or delivery.

Real Trees May Be Pricier

Trees, like everything else, may cost a little more this year. Tree growers answering the Real Christmas Tree Board’s survey said growing costs have increased. About 36 percent of respondents said costs were up 11 percent to 15 percent compared to last year, while 27 percent said costs increased 16 to 20 percent. Another 10 percent said the year-over-year increase in production costs was more than 21 percent.

As a result, 71 percent of growers said they would likely increase wholesale prices. That means trees could cost anywhere from 5 percent to 20 percent or more.

Consumers seem to be taking the expected price hikes in stride.

“While our grower survey tells us wholesale prices are likely to be higher for real Christmas trees this year, our consumer survey tells us people expected as much,” Gray said in the news release. “The good news is fans of real Christmas trees say they believe the trees are worth the price, and they are willing to pay more this year if necessary to get one — and that’s not a surprise either.”

Growers’ expectations of a healthy season are also tempered by fears of supply chain disruptions, the No. 1 concern of 44 percent of growers. About 35 percent said their top concern is that inflation-strapped consumers will cut real Christmas trees from their lists this year. About 21 percent of respondents cited labor availability concerns.

The Origin Of Christmas Trees

The origin of the Christmas tree can be traced to long before the advent of Christianity, according to History.com.

In ancient times, it was commonly believed the sun was a god. It appeared to be sick as daylight waned in the winter, but evergreens thriving during winter were a reminder that the sun would become strong again and lush greenery and warmth would return.

Evergreen trees were seen as a symbol of eternal life among ancient Egyptians, Hebrews and Chinese. Pagans throughout Europe used evergreens in their homes to represent fertility and new life.

Christmas trees were first used by devout Christians in Germany. The 16th century Protestant reformer Martin Luther is believed to have added lighted candles to trees. He was composing a sermon as he walked home on a winter evening and was struck by the sight of stars twinkling above the evergreens, and recreated the scene in a tree in his family’s main room.