Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - This is the weekend many Western New Yorkers will see lots of Christmas trees strapped to the roofs of cars.
The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally the biggest weekend for tree sales, either fresh-cut or cutting down a tree. That's especially the case this year with the Thanksgiving holiday falling so late.
"Some people like to get a jump on Thanksgiving, but a majority of people usually wait until after the holiday, and we're ready for them," said Chris Zeisz, Manager of Russell's Tree and Shrub Farm in East Amherst.
He said a snowy forecast doesn't hurt either.
"Just a little bit of snow on the tops of the trees really sets the mood," Zeisz said.
The two most popular variety of trees at Russell's are freshly cut Frazier and Douglas Fir.
"We also have Blue Spruce, and a Concolor fir which has a longer needle and smells like citrus. There's another variety called a Turkish Fir. It's a darker green tree, and has a waxy needle which is good for people with allergies."
Seisz reminds people that the most important thing you can do when you bring a real tree home, is to make a fresh cut prior to bringing it inside. "Put hot or warm water in the basin to reopen its pores, so that it will continue to take up water, and last through the holidays."
Real versus artificial trees. The debate goes back and forth. Zeisz said he personally favors real trees. But is seeing more and more families who have more than one tree. "Growing up," he said, "that's what we did. We had a big
family tree and then we had a kids tree. Many people may have an artificial tree in one room and a real tree in another. They want to enjoy it in more than one room of their home."
Zeisz adds that walking through the tree lot at the nursery is amazing right now. "Every person who comes out here mentions the smell!"