For many people, being home for the holidays means festive lights, homemade cookies and, of course, a Christmas tree emitting a fresh, pine scent.

Anyone looking to bring this homey feeling to their Kent dwelling has multiple options for a Christmas tree. Artificial versus real will always be debatable, but either could suit a college student’s needs.

“Some people want a real tree,” said Gary Armstrong from Lowe’s Lawn and Garden Department. “Their parents got them, so that’s the way they like it.”

Armstrong pointed out that college kids don’t always have a place to store an artificial tree. On the other hand, an artificial tree is less of a fire hazard, and can be reused.

As for LIVE tree upkeep, Velma Strimple of the Strimple Lindsey Christmas Tree Farm said it’s best to keep trees watered and out of dry heat. She also recommends fir trees if choosing a small tree and blue spruce trees for strong needles that support ornaments well.

WHERE???

Options abound for those looking to find a relatively cheap and small tree — whether it is real or artificial:

View Christmas trees in Kent, Ohio 2010 in a larger map

Flower Family Christmas Trees

Tree prices vary by variety.

• Hours: Monday through Friday Noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: 1186 Hudson Rd Kent, 330-678-8967, [email protected]
• Pricing: $25 for any size Scotch or White pine, $40 for any size Norway or White Spruce, $60 for any size Blue Spruce

Strimple Lindsey Christmas Tree Farm

Trees offered include Blue Spruce, Fraser Fir and Douglas Fir

• Hours: Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: 8850 Seasons Rd Streetsboro, 330-968-7453 (Joe Lindsey)
• Pricing: Tax included, $35 and up starting at about 5 feet tall

Walmart

Store offers artificial trees for tight budgets.

• Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week
• Location: 250 Tallmage Rd. Kent, 330-673-3142
• Pricing: About 3 feet and up starting around $20

Lowe’s

Store offers artificial and real trees for a variety of uses.

• Hours: Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location: 218 Nicholas Way Kent, 330-677-3040
• Pricing:
  • Real: 2 to 3 feet tabletop trees start at $14.97 and 5 to 6 feet trees start at $19.95
  • Artificial: about 4 feet starts at $38 pre-lit and can range up to $118 for taller trees

Contact Jessica Roblin at [email protected].

SHORT STORY, DECENT INFO.