Thursday, December 17, 2015

Let's Keep it Real

Too many times we've heard people tell us that Christmas tree farming is "bad" for the environment. 
Here are a few myths debunked regarding the debacle between real versus fake. 
Myth #1. Artificial trees are better for the environment.
                Wrong! Artificial trees are made from plastic and whether it’s today or ten years from now, there will be a time when the trees will disposed of — adding unnecessary plastic waste to our landfills. Also, plastic trees contain polyvinyl chloride, which is a plastic that contains numerous cancer-causing carcinogens and are extremely dangerous during production. And don’t get us started on all the lead that’s in plastic trees and its repercussions. Yikes!
Myth #2. Real trees are bad for our environment because they are cut down.
                Wrong! Each acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people. And for every tree that is cut down, 2-3 seedlings are planted in its place. This means Christmas tree farmland is constantly being cultivated to grow more trees. You can’t get more environmentally friendly than planting thousands of trees every year!
And every year trees are recycled for a number of purposes.
In Jodi Helmer's post on how to have a green Christmas, she writes, 
     "It might seem counterintuitive, but purchasing a fresh-cut Christmas tree is better for the environment than assembling an artificial tree in the living room. Christmas trees are grown on tree farms, and their stock is replenished annually; on the farm, trees provide habitats for songbirds and small mammals such as mice and rabbits. Once the holidays are over, cut trees can be shredded into mulch for the garden or sent to a municipal compost pile.
In contrast, artificial trees are made with petroleum-based materials and are often shipped from overseas; once their branches start looking shaggy, they are sent to the landfill."
You can read Jodi's full post here: I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas.
Myth #3. Buying an artificial tree is an economically sound purchase.
                If you think buying a fake tree is a smart decision economically, you are WRONG! The majority of artificial Christmas trees are made in Korea or China. So if you buy a fake tree your dollars are going overseas. Buy a real tree and support American farms, American families, American businesses! And may we add, now is not the time to skimp on our national economical state.
So let’s keep it “real” here—buying a fake tree is not the better option.
And besides, when you purchase a tree at a local Christmas tree lot (preferably an Alpine Christmas Tree lot) you don’t just go for the tree—you go to the lot for the whole experience of picking out your family tree, saying hi to Santa, getting a cup of hot chocolate--the whole sha-bang! 
Keep this tradition alive. And if it’s not a Christmas tradition for your family, well 2015 is a good year to start!
We’d love to hear from you! Do you prefer a real tree or a fake tree? And why?

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Christmas Tree Tips & Tricks

More than half of Americans put their Yule Tide spirit in full throttle right after Thanksgiving Day and purchase their Christmas tree that weekend. Sounds good to us! The sooner the better!
But how can one be sure your tree will make it to Christmas Day? 
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Christmas tree lasts through Christmas Day (and even New Year’s!)
**But remember! Alpine Christmas Trees are freshly cut and delivered daily to our tree lots all over Bakersfield. Can't get any fresher than us unless you cut them down yourselves! :)
Here are some tips and tricks for caring for your Christmas tree:
  • As soon as you get home put hot water in the water stand—as hot as you can get from the tap is the best.
  • A little known trick is to drop an aspirin and tablespoon of sugar in your tree's water stand.
  • Water your tree twice a day--making sure the water stand is 3/4 full
  • Putting Christmas lights on your tree will not make it a fire hazard but here are some things that will cause your tree to catch flames:
    • Open flames such as candles & fire from fireplace (keep your tree clear from both.)
    • Old electrical cords that are torn and frayed can be a fire hazard (if you have these be sure to dispose of them immediately.)
Once your tree is up and properly cared for you can decorate and enjoy through December!

And don't forget to take a quick pick of your tree and enter it in our decorating contest. You can read the contest details here. 


Monday, December 7, 2015

2015 Alpine Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

Who's ready to play our annual Alpine Christmas Tree Photo Contest?! Entry in the contest is free and playing is easy! Read below for contest details.

Two categories: Commercial and Residential

Entries will be accepted until December 20, 2015

How to enter:

1. Purchase your Alpine Christmas Tree (any size and type)

2. Decorate your tree

3. Take a picture of your decorated tree and
              a.) email it to alpinexmastrees@gmail.com
                   or
              b.) Instagram it with #alpinexmastree
             

All photo entries will be shared on our Facebook page and the photo with the most "likes" wins. Once your decorated Christmas Tree picture is submitted be sure to share the Alpine Facebook page and campaign for "likes" on your photo. The photos in each category with the most "likes" by midnight on December 20th wins. It's that easy!

Prizes:

The winner in the commercial category will receive break time goodies for the office staff, a framed 2015 Alpine Christmas Tree Decorating Contest Winner certificate, and a coupon for a free 7-8ft Alpine Christmas Tree for 2016.

The winner in the residential category will receive a family size gift basket filled with goodies and a coupon for a free 7-8ft Alpine Christmas Tree for 2016.

And don't forget your 10% off coupon when you pick up your tree!


2014 WINNERS

The Vasquez Family

Nissan of Bakersfield