Deer enjoy a stroll through Skelton's Christmas trees. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY – Skelton’s Christmas Trees, well known for 27 years of providing fresh-cut trees for the community, reminds us that real trees are environmentally friendly.

An acre of Christmas trees provides watershed protection and wildlife habitat, as well as the oxygen needs of 18 people. Some of Skelton’s trees come complete with last summer’s bird’s nests.

Environmentally conscious people need not be concerned when Christmas trees are cut, because only the upper part of the tree is harvested, leaving the lower branches to nourish the stump while another Christmas tree grows. This is called "stump culture."

"All of our trees are grown as a crop on tree plantations locally and in the Pacific Northwest," said owner Rod Skelton.

Real, fresh-cut Christmas trees are also environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable. Artificial trees, which are made from petroleum and metal and manufactured mainly in Korea, Taiwan or Hong Kong, will not deteriorate when disposing of them.

Skelton’s Christmas Trees is adding a new service by mechanically shaking each tree to dislodge old needles which have been caught in the branches. Because their trees are especially dense, this is a real plus for their customers.

"We try to provide the best service possible," said Skelton. "Attendants are happy to tie trees to the top of vehicles."

The trees are also displayed in water bowls to maintain freshness.

Fresh, handmade wreaths will also be offered for sale, and there will be free boughs available also.

Skelton’s Christmas Trees will be at their previous location across from Kmart garden center, behind Mackey Tire, in the parking lot of the New Hope Fellowship Church, and will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"Again this year, every 100th customer will get their chosen tree free. This was very popular last year, so we decided to continue again this year," said Skelton. "The winners will be announced after Christmas."

The tree lot features a bargain Area where they sell "Charlie Brown" trees – some priced under $15.

“We offer a tree for every home & budget,” Skelton said.