Huntsville Alabama's Valley Christmas Tree Plantation Provides Trees and Holiday Fun!

There's nothing like the fragrance of a freshly cut tree to awaken Christmas spirit!

There's nothing like having acres of trees to choose from!

Huntsville, Alabama's, Valley Christmas Tree Plantation owners, Dr. George Brown, Forestry Department professor at Alabama A&M University, and his wife, Trish Brown, have provided North Alabama families live Christmas trees for over 30 years. They open for business the Friday after Thanksgiving and remain open from 9-5 every day until Christmas.

Dr. Brown emphasizes that they do not just sell Christmas trees.

"We sell the experience of going out and getting the tree," he says. "It is a family experience."

Upon arrival, families are given a measuring stick, a bow saw, and a short lesson about the types of trees available. From there they are free to roam through some 30-40 thousand trees, from seedlings to 9-year-olds, to choose and cut the tree of their choice.

Some trees are more popular than others. Mike Lemke, a semi-retired Lutheran minister, who lends a hand at the plantation, said the White Pine is the most fragrant and best-liked tree. The Virginia Pine is a close second, followed by the Leland Cyprus. The least popular tree is the Carolina Saffire. (My husband and I bought a "last place" Carolina Saffire. It is beautiful. It goes to show you that you can't go wrong when choosing a tree at Valley Christmas Tree Plantation!) This group of trees sells for $5 a foot.

Pre-cut "ball-and-burlap" Fraser Fir and Colorado blue spruce trees are available for $40-$60. These trees can be enjoyed for Christmas and then planted in the garden to enjoy all year long.

Once a tree is chosen it is taken to the greeting area to be measured, shaken to remove any debris left from shearing, and compressed and netted for ease of transport. Tree trunks are drilled, if needed, for a Christmas tree stand. Stands are available for $20.

Trish Brown handcrafts fresh wreaths, crosses, center pieces, and mailbox covers. Prices range around $20-$25.

The Browns encourage pre-arranged tour groups. An elementary class from Huntsville's Highlands Elementary recently visited. The children placed laminated signs on selected trees with a message for future buyers:

We like this tree.
You'll like it, too.
Please tell us where
it goes with you.

When you get home
and string the lights
a photo for us
would be very nice.

Mrs. Parrish's Class
Highlands Elementary
2500 Barney Terrace
Huntsville, Alabama 35813

It is easy to imagine the joyful expressions on the children's faces as they toured the plantation and anticipated a tree of their own. Dr. Brown is right. Valley Christmas Tree Plantation isn't just about selling trees. It is about creating memories. My family will go back for many Christmases to come!