Christmas Tree Shopping in Elkridge

Across from Troy Hill Commerce Center is a Christmas tree lot with a live-in manager.

David Lane, a Pennsylvania resident, is staying in a camper until Christmas on the tree lot where, during the warmer months, a produce stand sells fruits, vegetables and sometimes crabs.

Recently, a thicket of Fraser firs sprung up on the property, for sale at a fixed price: $35.

“We're not trying to take people for their money," said Lane. "We’re about giving people a good tree at a good price so everybody can have a Christmas."

The trees came from North Carolina, said Lane.

“This year’s batch seems a lot better and a lot nicer even than last year’s,” he added. “Last year's were good, but there’s more fullness to them this year.” 

Tall trees are $35. Little trees are $15 and wreaths are $20.

The owners of the produce stand have put up a sign stating that they will be selling holiday sweets like mint sticks, candy canes and jellies too.

Operating independently from the produce stand, the Christmas tree operation is one of several around Baltimore run by a man from North Carolina; he also has a tree lot on Southwestern Boulevard in Arbutus.

Last year was the Elkridge lot's first run and since then, "word has spread," said Lane, who worked there last year and has seen a fair amount of return customers this season already.

Added Lane: "Especially now, they want to spend more money on gifts and less on their tree but still get a really nice tree. That's what we're about."

The lot is on US 1 north between Troy Hill Drive and Ducketts Lane. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.