The phrase refers to a specific type of agricultural business: a location where evergreen trees are cultivated for the express purpose of being sold as holiday decorations. These farms offer consumers the opportunity to select and often cut their own trees, contributing to a traditional holiday experience. As an example, one might visit such a location to acquire a Fraser Fir to adorn with ornaments during the Christmas season.
Such enterprises provide numerous benefits to both the local economy and the environment. Economically, they create seasonal jobs, support local businesses, and contribute to the agricultural sector. Environmentally, these farms can serve as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also help to maintain green spaces and provide habitat for wildlife. Historically, the rise of these specialized farms reflects a shift from harvesting trees from natural forests to a more sustainable and controlled agricultural practice.