Christmas Tree Season

Jessica Roblin

It’s that time of year again.

For many people, the holiday at home means festive lights, homemade cookies and –of course—a Christmas tree emitting the most delicious pine scent. Anyone looking to bring this homey feeling into their Kent dwelling has multiple options, one being 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.” He 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 tree upkeep, Velma Strimple of Strimple Lindsey Christmas Tree Farm says to keep it watered and out of dry heat. She also recommends fir trees if choosing a small tree and Blue Spruce because its strong needles support ornaments well.

Here are a few locations to find a relatively cheap and small tree –whether it is real or artificial:

Flower Family Christmas Trees: Tree prices vary by variety.

Hours: Monday through Friday Noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday through 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: Sunday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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