CityView Magazine

local operations have existed over the past 30 years at two locations, the Reilly Road Farmer's Market location that sells between 600 to 800 trees each season, and the larger Raeford Road location that hawks an additional 1,700 to 2,000 trees. Their secret to repeat business? Keeping the freshest cut trees coming to their lot every few days, to ensure maximum freshness, ultimately extending the life cycle of each tree. "With all the rain we've had, it should be a beautiful year for Christmas trees," exclaimed Jay Burke, a loyal employee of seven years. "Once the pumpkins start arriving you can almost smell the evergreen in the air right behind them." BEYOND MANAGEMENT AT ASSOCIA HRW, INC., we offer HOA and condominium management services beyond what you'll find anywhere else, designed to improve your life. Call us now for a free quote. FAYETTEvillE 3771 RAMsEY sTREET, #109-153 (866) 850-0353 www.hRw.NET customercare@hrw.net HRW-13-010 CityView SepOct.indd 1 WHEN IT RAINS, IT DRAINS! (910) 433-1613 www.cityoffayetteville.org/stormwater 52 | November/December • 2013 The trees range in price depending on the height. Offerings include 18" tabletop trees up to 16-foot beauties. The fresh-cut trees will remain green from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day given proper care. The Raeford Road lot is more accommodating for the 14 to 16-foot trees that some customers request. Because of the labor involved, fewer businesses seem to be cutting down Christmas trees, though North Carolina does have a few good 'cut your own' tree farms. But make no mistake about it it's a billion dollar business in the Tar Heel state.. Beware of imposters. While local retailers and warehouses might be advertising freshly cut Christmas trees, you don't know how long ago they have actually been cut before being put on a truck to their lots. There are many urban legends and myths when it comes to keeping your tree at its freshest. Some swear by vodka in the water while others use I.V. tubes in the trunk. "The average size tree takes a full 8/19/13 seven to eight years to mature," shared 12:41 PM Burke. "It's like nurturing a child, you have to care for them each year, keep it shaped, keep them free from pests, and just working with what mother nature gives us with the precipitation." Check the water level daily; trees will be very thirsty the first few days inside a heated home. Besides just trees for display, custom-made pine wreaths, decorative swags and pine roping garlands are also popular for decorating bannisters, doorways and mantles adding that fragrant scent in a home reminiscent of the season. Some of the wreaths are adorned with red berries, other with bows – pick your preference that matches your style. Burke joked that during the Christmas season he constantly has sticky fingers and smells of the piney scent from working daily with the trees. It's time to start thinking about the prime spot to showcase your live Christmas tree this year and Pate's trees will hit the lots and be ready for purchase the weekend before Thanksgiving. CV

• Cover