Gainesville residents looking to tap into their inner lumberjack this holiday season don't have to look very far.
Out on State Road 45, Bill DuBois offers spruces and firs on the Bill DuBois Christmas Tree Farm to anyone willing to wield an ax.
DuBois sells his evergreens for ,25, everything from fledgling seeds to 13-foot titans.
"People love these big trees now because they have vaulted ceilings," he said.
His trees aren't the same as those grown in the cool air and snowy grounds up north, but DuBois said his trees have an advantage that northern trees don't have.
"My trees are all natural color," he said.
According to DuBois, most trees grown up north and brought south are tinted with green dyes. DuBois said he has all sorts of people visit his High Springs tree farm.
"It just doesn't follow a pattern," he said.
He also offers a more eco-friendly approach to the all-natural Christmas tree.
DuBois will pot a tree with its roots for his customers who want to replant their trees after the holidays.
He said fake trees may pose more of a fire hazard than one of his spruces or firs.
Natural trees pose no risk as long as they are regularly watered while fake trees can be ignited by string lights, he said.
However, Laura Koppel, Gainesville Fire Rescue spokeswoman, said natural trees become highly flammable if they dry out.
Fake Christmas trees are safe if they are flame retardant, she said. There are basic safety measures everyone should take with their trees during the holidays.
Both types of trees should be kept at least three feet from any heat source and string lights should be checked regularly, Koppel said.
She said trees should be kept close to their outlets because long electrical cords pose a fire hazard, as well.
