4 minute read
O Christmas Tree
Alex (left) and John Thorne shop for a Christmas tree at Powell’s Roadside Market at Hughes and Halstead boulevards in Elizabeth City, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. Powell’s will begin selling Christmas trees for the upcoming holiday season starting Nov. 12.
Chris Day/The Daily Advance
Pendletons, Powells gear up for Christmas tree shoppers
Powells to begin sales Nov. 12, Pendletons on Nov. 19
By Kesha Williams - Correspondent
There are plenty of things that can get you in the mood for Christmas: colder weather, carols, holiday lights, even crowds of shoppers.
But there’s only one thing that says it’s Christmas, and that’s a Christmas tree. Particularly if you’re able to purchase a live one.
The Christmas tree is, after all, where your holiday guests gather around to share beverages, songs and memories. It’s also the place where metallic and foil-wrapped gifts are tucked until the hour of exchanging presents arrives. None of those plans, however, will unfold until you’ve selected the right tree. Two area families have been in the business of selling live Christmas trees for years, and both say finding the right tree begins with a visit to a tree market early in the holiday season. Melissa Pendleton of Pendleton’s Christmas Trees in Weeksville said her family has been selling Fraser fir Christmas trees for the past 28 years. They sell Fraser firs because they smell go good, she said.
The Pendletons’ trees are grown in Deep Gap, in western North Carolina, so customers know they’re supporting North Carolina growers when they purchase one.
Many of the Pendletons’ customers are people who buy a Christmas tree from the family every year. For some families, buying a Christmas tree from the Pendletons has become a holiday tradition.
“I enjoy it when families come in
with small children and their eyes light up when they see our beautiful trees,” Pendleton said. “They are very excited about picking out this year’s Christmas tree and taking it home with them.”
Many repeat customers already have a preferred tree size because they know it will fit a designated location in their house. Other customers haven’t made up their minds yet.
“When a customer comes to buy a tree I usually find out how tall of a tree they are looking for and if they are looking for a fat, skinny or full tree,” Pendleton said.
The Pendletons’ Christmas trees will become available Nov. 19, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
“Customers that want our tallest trees know they had better come soon because the past several years there has been a shortage of big trees,” Pendleton said.
She encourages customers to post pictures of their decorated trees on the Pendletons’ Christmas Tree Facebook page. The images help customers learn new decorating tips for next year, she said.
Eddie-Jo Powell of Powell’s Roadside Markets also sells Fraser fir Christmas trees grown in western North Carolina. The family-owned business in fact has sold the trees 33 out of the 42 years they’ve been in business.
Customers can shop Powell’s selection of trees at three locations: the Elizabeth City Farmer’s Market site, Powell’s roadside site in Sligo, and the Great Bridge Farm Market in Chesapeake, Virginia.
“The Christmas tree season is one of our favorite times of the year,” Powell said. “We will pick up our first load of fresh cut Fraser fir Christmas trees and they will be ready to sell on the 12th of November.”
Powell’s trees range in size from six to 12 feet tall; prices vary.
Powell’s also makes homemade wreaths that are sold at each market location.
Powell suggests customers consider their ceiling height before selecting a tree. He also recommends they make plans in advance to maintain their live tree over the holiday season.
Another important consideration, he says, is the tree’s proximity to wall sockets if electricity is needed to light the tree. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper use of electric powered decorations and power cords.
Next, select the tree stand that properly suits the height, width and trunk of the tree. The stand should also hold a sufficient amount of water and the stand should enable the tree to stand upright.
Powell recommends customers determine the amount of water needed for the life of the tree and apply as necessary. Also, keep your home temperature down and avoid placing the tree in direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time.
Lastly, determine in advance how to properly recycle or dispose of your tree at the end of the holiday season.
By that time, you’ll have made your guests happy in a hundred ways and proven there’s no place like your home for the holidays.
Pendleton’s Christmas Trees in Weeksville has been selling Fraser fir Christmas trees for the past 28 years. Pendleton’s will begin selling Christmas trees for this holiday season on Nov. 19.
Photo courtesy Melissa Pendleton
