The Real Tree Experience in Oklahoma

We don't often think of Oklahoma having a great climate for growing Christmas Trees, but there is a whole association dedicated to growers of live trees to adorn your holiday home this season.

If you've never had the experience of cutting your own tree (and watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation hasn't totally terrified you of the idea) here are some places in Oklahoma you can walk around, pick and cut your tree.  I warn you that after you select it and cut it, you then have to get it back home . . . so prepare for that before you bundle the kids up for an adventure!

There might be more than my list holds and, if so, let us know in the comments below!

From the Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association (I've only selected the farms that are an easy drive from Lawton):

• D&L Christmas Tree and Wreath in Fletcher
• Goddard Tree Farm in Norman
• Red Barn Christmas Tree Farm in McAlester
• Sorghum Mills Christmas Tree Farm in Edmond
• Canadian Valley Christmas Tree Farm in Lexington
• Four Daughters Tree Farm in Norman
• Martinbird Tree Farm in Tuttle
• All Pine Products in Yukon
• W6 Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Choctaw

If this is the first year you are considering a cut-your-own tree, here are some handy tips from the Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association:

Place your tree in a bucket of water or your tree stand when you get home.  Don't ever let the container dry out or a seal will form and a new cut will be necessary.  Fresh trees are thirsty.  They may drink up to a gallon of water per day, so water often.  Watch your pets, too, and it's always best to cover the water source to keep pets from drinking the water.  In most cases, it is not harmful, but there may be pesticides that could harm your pet.

While we're talking about pets, most trees are only mildly toxic to pets (unlike holly or mistletoe) and your animals will be curious about the outside smell that is now inside the house.  It's always best to make sure the pets don't have easy access to the tree if you are not home.  This will prevent your cat from being drop kicked over the fence when dad comes home and finds the cat has crawled into and then toppled the live tree (maybe that is just MY dad's reaction, but it's stuck in my memory for over 20 years).  Pets also like fake trees, so watch that, too.  If you've ever had to pull a silver icicle from a cat's rear, you'll know exactly what I mean. . . .