Want That Perfect Tree? Cut Your Own

Just about everyone is talking about decorating their Christmas tree. But if you haven't gotten yours yet, you may want to try an alternative to the traditional Christmas tree lot.

It's not Ashe County. It's Pop-n-Son cut your own Christmas tree farm, just outside of Garner. There you'll find a big emphasis on cut your own.

Bill Stanton is Pop. The retired NC State forester has grown trees since 1974. It's getting to the point that around these parts, he's almost one of a kind.

Families are glad Bill Stanton enjoys his hobby, families like the Mulligans. Instead of just running down to the pre-cut lot, they made it a family outing to come down and cut their own.

There are a few trees that have made the trip down from the mountains. You can still get a pre-cut frasier fur. But most who come to Pop-n-Son want the in-ground variety. They put on a few extra touches too. They'll put the tree in the shaker, put it through the netter and send the happy cut-your-own customers on their way.

Bill Stanton says aside from customers, the main thing a tree farmer needs is patience. Each product stays with him about seven years, before it goes home with someone else for Christmas.

Pop-n-Son Christmas Trees is located at 1201 Flanders Street in Garner.