Real Christmas tree growers say

Tom Nolan, of Montgomery County, drags his family's selected tree to their car at Whispering Pines Christmas Trees in Thurmont last year. The family has been cutting down their own tree since Tricia Nolan was pregnant with Tom.

"Nothing says Christmas more than a real tree to decorate your home. It's not only an opportunity to continue a deep-rooted holiday tradition, but also to make a positive imprint on the environment," said Michael Ryan of Clemsonville Tree Farm.

Area farmers say customers return year after year to continue their special traditions.

Jim Lucey is one of Clemsonville's most special customers. Lucey, chief of protection services for the National Gallery of Art, brings an entourage of 50 friends and family members each year to select holiday trees.

"They came from a brochure we put out in 1976 in an A&P in Gaithersburg," Ryan said.

Each year, Lucey presents each member of his circle a unique gift, which he also gives to the Ryans. The annual gifts are displayed in a special room at the farm.

During every trip to the tree farm, members of the group select trees and wreaths and then return to the Lucey home for dinner.

Clemsonville Tree Farm itself has a rich history. John Clemson left Lancaster, Pa., and came to the area in 1776, acquiring several thousand acres of prime farmland where he built a mansion. Over the years, the land was used for various purposes and in 1965 was established as the tree farm.

The tree farm, one of the largest in the area at 250 acres, has been home to the world-record-holding largest wreath.