The wonderful world of Christmas trees

You have done all your shopping, put up the lights and baked the cookies. Now there is only one thing missing: the tree. Unless you have an artificial tree in your basement, waiting to be set up and plugged in, the time to get the perfect tree is passing by. To make your search a little easier, here are a few local places that have satisfied Blazers' tree needs year after year.

Clements Christmas Trees:

Clements is a three-generation landscaping company and Christmas tree vendor. For those past 40 years, Clements has successfully provided good quality and reasonably priced trees. Frasier Firs start at $39 for five to six feet, $45 for six to seven feet and $55 for seven to eight feet Douglas Firs are generally five dollars cheaper for each height range. White Pine trees range from $35 for six feet to $45 for eight feet. Clements also has a selection of wreaths that Meghan Clement, daughter of owner Mike Clement, makes from leftovers and truckloads of branches. Plain wreaths are $13 and decorative wreaths are $27.

Clements is open Monday through Friday from 2 - 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located across from Collins Funeral Home on the corner of University Boulevard and Dennis Avenue.

Tom's Christmas Trees:

Tom's Christmas Trees, also celebrating its 40th year, is another hot spot for Blazers cruising for their conifer needs. Unlike Clements, Tom's sells Scotch pine. They also sell Frasier Firs and White Pine, which come fresh from North Carolina. Prices range from $29 for five foot trees to $139 for the 11 foot trees. If you have your tree and just need the accessories, Tom's sells tree food and stands. For decoration, pick up some wreaths, mistletoe and ribbons for varying prices under $40.

Tom's is situated on the corner of Colesville Road and Dale Drive, across from Mrs. K's Tollhouse. They are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Butler's Orchard:

To add some flare to the annual Christmas tree shopping escapade, visit Butler's Orchard. Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, Butler's invites everyone to come cut their own trees. With an assortment of nearly 3,000 Douglas Firs and White Pines, five feet and up, it is a great place to buy the perfect tree and have some extra fun. While you are there, stop by the Farm Market to purchase last minute stocking stuffers, wreaths and ornaments. If you do not want to cut your own tree, pre-cut trees are available outside the market.

Butler's is located on 22200 Davis Mill Rd. Germantown. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Home Depot:

If you are not big on standing in the cold and looking at trees, Home Depot is your answer. Although it is not the conventional Christmas tree vendor, it is convenient and relatively inexpensive. Prices range from around $40 to $114 depending on height and type. They also offer the option of ordering trees online. The only disadvantage to Home Depot trees is that they are generally more dried out than those bought at a traditional shop, so pick carefully.

The Home Depot nearest to Blair can be found at 2300 Broadbirch Drive, Silver Spring. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.