It s that time of year to head out and buy a Christmas tree. The recent reports on how those trees can cause more allergens inside your home may make you think twice. “We re a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, where people come out and cut their own Christmas trees,” said Evergreen Farms co-owner Beth Walterscheidt. At Evergreen Farms in Elgin, finding the perfect tree is a matter of choosing the size that fits your home.
“Well, this tree right here is probably around 4 years old, so it takes 4 to 5 years to get a decent tree,” said Walterscheidt. Walterscheidt started the tree farm with her husband in 1989. Each year, 2,000 Christmas trees get taken home. It might be the type of tree you take home that affects your allergies. “So people who have allergies, this is a great tree for them. Plus, it s a beautiful tree decorated,” said Walterscheidt It s called the Leyland Cyprus.
It has no aroma, compared to the more traditional tree, like the Virginia Pine. “If you have a tendency to have allergies to mold, just take the tree and wash it before you put it in the house. Also, the same with an artificial tree, because that can also harbor mold,” said Walterscheidt So if you have allergies, do a little research before you head out, so you get the best tree and not the worst allergies. Evergreen Farms is also raising money for Trees for Troops .
They are partnering with FedEx by giving donations to help get the trees delivered. “They are traveling to different farms around the nation, collecting the trees and then will deliver them next week to the bases around the nation,” said Walterscheidt Several retail locals for holiday trees are also taking part. Just ask if they are taking a collection for Trees for Troops.