Stokoe Farms has been around for over 200 years.

“I am a sixth generation farmer and we have generation 5, 6, 7, and now 8 working on this farm,” said Suzanne Stokoe, Stokoe Farm’s current owner.

But as artificial trees gain popularity, the farm isn’t worried about business, as Stokoe believes in the magic in a real tree.

“The fake tree industry can make changes and imitate the look of a tree but its not that same experience and its sure not that same smell,” Stokoe said.
“Getting a real tree is truly being green. It is Climate Positive, unlike the PVCs in the fake trees.”

And while the idea of cutting down millions of trees each year may seem bad for the environment, trees are a renewable resource and after harvest more trees are just planted.

“Most farmers plant between one and a quarter to one and a half trees, four trees, per tree harvested. So this is constantly renewable, it’s a sustainable crop,” said Stokoe.

Fake trees have a large carbon footprint and can take a long time to decompose whereas real grown Christmas trees have many benefits to the environment.

“They are here for 8 to 10 years before they are harvested, and all of that time they are protecting the soil, protecting from erosion…and the are absorbing carbon and expelling fresh oxygen,” Stokoe said.

Not to mention the experience that comes with getting your real tree home.

"Nothing can create those memories like the smell and the feel of a real live tree,” said Stokoe.