Community Corner
Where to Find Christmas Trees in Reston? A Guide to Shopping
A comprehensive guide to buying your Christmas tree this year.
Christmas trees. They're all tall, they're all green, but despite those similarities, there is a wide variety of trees that are decked with lights and ornaments every year.
Patch spoke with Ian McKeown, recent horticulture graduate and owner of State Gardens in Great Falls, about the kinds of Christmas trees that are for sale in lots across the area.
Fraser fir: The classic Christmas tree, and by far the most popular. Its hallmarks are a pleasant conical shape, sturdy branches, soft needles and the ever present evergreen smell.
Douglas fir: Not actually a fir, but a member of the pine family, this tree is native to the northwest and has a pyramid shape with blue-green needles.
Blue Spruce: This tree's needle aren't so soft, but many prefer their prickly nature because it keeps pets, particularly cats, from climbing the branches and getting to the ornaments. Same smell as the Fraser fir.
Concolor Fir: A longer tree with softer needles that sport a blue-green hue. This tree has a different smell than the others, slightly citrusy. The branches aren't as strong as a Fraser fir, but McKeown said that people often decide for a tree that can hold less ornaments in exchange for the pleasant smell.
Canaan Fir: Also known as the West Virginia Balsam Fir, this tree is native to West Virginia, and is very similar to the Fraser Fir, though many in this area prefer is because it is a bit more "local."
Where to find them?
Here are a few favorite local places to find trees, as suggested by Patch readers. Have another suggestion? Let us know in the comments below, and we'll add it to the map."Elvis" Lot, 770 Elden Street, Herndon. As the sign says, it's where Elvis buys his tree here every year, and it's a favorite local spot.
Trees: Fraser Fir.
Fox Mill Shopping Center, 2551 John Milton Drive, Herndon. A classic Christmas tree lot which also features many tree and holiday decoration accessories.
Trees: Fraser fir.
Special Features: Pine roping, Fraser fir wreaths, Christmas tree stands, Christmas tree food.
Reston Farm Market, 10800 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston. Located at the corner of Baron Cameron Avenue and Leesburg Pike, they have a lot full of trees and other holiday necessities.
Trees: Fraser fir.
Special features: Wreaths, garlands, fresh cider, holiday centerpieces, local honey and tree preservatives. Also will have holiday train rides a little bit further into the season.
State Gardens, 10106 Georgetown Pike Great Falls. Opened by McKeown in September, the center features a variety of trees.
Trees: Fraser fir, Concolor fir, Canaan fir, blue spruce.
Special features: Also has a wide selection of wreaths, roping, poinsettias, aged firewood (and wood for smoking), fresh cider and a selection of local art. Stop by for a chance to vote or participate in their Christmas Tree decoration contest, which runs from Dec. 7 to 20. Santa Claus will be at the center the weekends of Dec. 14-15 and 21-22.
Tyson's Trees, parking lot 11870 Sunrise Valley Drive. Run by Max Tyson, a familiar face who brings fresh produce to local farmer's markets.
Trees: Fraser fir, Douglas fir.
Special Features: Wreaths and roping. Max Tyson said he will be there until he runs out, which last year was about eight days before Christmas. Until then, there will be approximately 100 trees at all times, all fresh cut from about 90 minutes away in Moorefield, W.V.
Vale United Methodist Church, 11528 Vale Road, Oakton. This annual sale will be going on until Dec. 22.
Trees: Fraser fir, Douglas firs
Special Features: 100 percent of sales will go to nonprofit Stop Hunger Now, which helps feed hungry people around the world. The sale of one tree can feed approximately 120 people, and the goal is to provide 50,000 meals.
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