Steamboat Pilot & Today

While you may be searching the lots for that perfect Christmas tree to liven up your house and create a festive holiday mood, quite a few others will be decorating trees organically in the Routt National Forest, simply going for the fake ones or not going for any at all.

Tanya Klein of Shampoodle Dog Grooming said she's against the killing of living trees and decided every year to replant her Christmas trees.

"I just dig up the roots," Klein said, adding she has decorated them in the past but usually does not.

When she does look for the perfect tree, she says she wants it bushy and thick with real full branches and leaves from the base all the way to the top.

Susan Olson of Photo Express House said she doesn't agree with cutting down trees either.

"I feel like it's kind of a waste to chop down a tree. It's been years since I got a Christmas tree," Olson said.

However, Olson said if she were to purchase an artificial tree it probably would have scented branches that are long, depending on the house.

When she used to have Christmas trees, Olson said she never went into the forest to chop them down but to the local Christmas tree market.

"Wreaths are fine and they add the joy of the pine scent," Olson said.

April Elliott of Pioneer Ridge Management said she and her parents snowmobile toward Stagecoach with a license to cut down a Christmas tree. Although they haven't gone yet, usually early December is a good and wet time for healthy trees.

"We pick a tree that's not too big, not too full," Elliott said. "That way you can see the ornaments inside the tree."

The tree also can't be too dry because the Christmas lights will catch the tree on fire.

After chopping down the old tree, Elliott said they drive it behind their snowmobile to the car. Usually her tree stands about 6 to 7 feet tall.

Compiled by Kelly Silva