If you don’t have the luxury of a few acres of land on which to search for the perfect live Christmas tree, some area businesses have you covered.

Several Christmas tree farms are within a short drive of Calhoun, including Carney Farms in Sonoraville.

“The trees are all (pre-cut) and set up so you can see exactly what you’re getting,” said Charity Carney of Carney Farms.

The farm is located at 595 Wesley Chapel Road beside the Sonoraville Recreation Department.

Trees range in size from 5-feet to upward of 12-feet and range in price from $35-$75, Carney said.

The farm is open Monday through Thursday from 3:30-6:15 p.m., Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

Carney Farms can be reached at 706- 264-5730.

A little up the road in Tunnel Hill is Wheeler’s Christmas Tree Farm. Wheeler’s is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-6 p.m. They can be reached at 706-463-1924.

Other Christmas tree farm locations can be found here: www.gacta.com/Finders/memberlist

Larger retailers like Wal-Mart, Lowes and Home Depot typically carry both live and artificial trees.

Buying the live tree is typically half the battle. Taking care of them and preventing hazards are important parts as well.

Believe it or not, live Christmas trees are the top fire instigators during the holiday season, according to information from the National Fire Protection Association and Gordon County Fire Department.

And according to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than $1 billion in damages annually are attributable to holiday fires — not to mention 1,500 injuries and 400 deaths as well.

Here are a few tips from the National Fire Protection Association and Gordon County Fire Department to help everyone avoid any mishaps this year:

Purchase a flame retardant artificial tree or a live tree with “a sticky trunk, needles that hold onto the branches when gently tugged on and absence of dry needles.

“To test a freshly cut tree, bounce the trunk on the ground. A circle of dry needles underneath is a sure sign to steer clear, as this tree has been cut to long ago to remain fresh.”

Keep live trees at least three feet from a heat source.

Water a live tree daily and remove it from the home after about three weeks.

Also, the National Fire Protection Association recommends that when hanging Christmas lights:

Do not use strands not meeting safety criteria.

“Three linked strands is the maximum guideline for normal lighting. There are new types of LED lights that will accommodate more strands.”

“Read all instructions of all Christmas lights bought for decorating before using them. Be sure to unplug any strands of lights inside and outside before leaving your home.”

Some other valuable tips for holiday safety can be found here: www.nfpa.org