Living in the great state of Oregon, which is the No. 1 producer of Christmas trees in the United States, my family has always had a natural tree for the holidays, usually cut ourselves at a nearby tree farm. Allow me to brag: this year I bagged a 12-and-a-half-foot Douglas fir for $30 at a farm 15 minutes from my home — and this is a full, lush, deeply green and wonderfully scented specimen. (My daughter in Chicago, on the other hand, paid $60 for a six-foot, pre-cut tree.)

But I’ve learned that one can get even “greener” than cutting one’s own tree. In the Portland area, the Original Living Christmas Tree Company has been delivering live (balled-and-burlaped) trees for 20 years now. For those who like the idea of planting their tree after the holidays but don’t have a yard to accomodate an ever-expanding evergreen, John Fogel’s company picks up the tree after January 1 and takes it to be planted at a school, church, park, watershed or other institution which has paid $10 for the honor.

One can choose from eight varieties of firs and pines in heights ranging from five to seven and a half feet. Ordering early brings the price down somewhat, as will picking up the tree yourself. If you do choose to keep and plant the tree, that’s an extra $20. So for $70 for a five-foot tree ordered in December, you get a clear conscience and a living tree in your living room, delivered to your front door and taken away three weeks later.

A quick Internet search showed me that there are a few companies offering a somewhat similar service in the Los Angeles area and in the Central California/Bay area. And there’s even a company in southwest England which also delivers live trees.

Whatever your tree type and wherever you are, I hope your Christmas is bright!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor