FAQ'S

We exclusively offer USDA Premium trees, ensuring top-quality and avoiding Charlie Brown Christmas trees. We hold ourselves to high standards and would only deliver a tree that we would be happy to have in our own home.

While perfection is rare in life, our trees are not artificially designed or imported. They are grown by Mother Nature herself, uniquely for you. We guarantee a freshly cut, high-quality tree with minimal blemishes. If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied with your tree, we are committed to resolving any concerns and working with you to find a solution.

Please note that tree widths may vary from year to year due to different growing conditions. If you are unhappy with the tree size, we can usually offer a larger/smaller tree replacement and adjust the price accordingly.

We only sell US Premium/#1 Fir trees or better. We've been buying from our vendors for years and are always looking for the best locally sourced trees.

The United States Department of Agriculture created the "United States Standard for Grades of Christmas Trees" effective October 30, 1989. The standards set the criteria for a grading scale the includes USDA Premium(Snowfresh), USDA #1 (Choice), USDA #2 (Standard), and Cull trees.

For more information, please see the publications here. There is some discretion involved in applying the ratings, however we feel you will be happy with your tree and it will be of a higher quality than those offered by most/all big box retailers and nurseries.

USDA Grading Tiers

U.S. Premium/(Snowfresh) – Fresh, clean, healthy, heavy density, one minor defect allowed per face

U.S. #1/(Choice) – Fresh, fairly clean, healthy, medium density, two minor defects allowed for 3 faces, one minor defect per remaining face

Definitions

Fresh - Fresh means the needles are green, pliable, and firmly attached; with not more than slight shedding.

Clean - Clean means the tree is reasonably free from foreign material.

Healthy - Healthy means the needles have a fresh, natural appearance characteristic of the species.

Well shaped - Well shaped means that the tree is not flat on one side and the branches of the tree, whether sheared or unsheared, are of sufficient number and length to form a conical outline tapering from the lowest whorl of branches to the top.

Butt trimmed - Butt trimmed means that all barren branches shall have been removed, and the trunk has been smoothly cut at approximately right angles to the trunk.

Density - Density means the amount of foliage on the tree. Factors contributing to degree of density are: The number and size of branches within the whorl, distance between the whorls, number and arrangements of the branchlets on each branch, the extent of internodal branching, needle arrangement, and needle length. Species differ in their habit of growth and some species do not have internodal branches. Density is judged on the basis of species characteristics.

Grading details

U.S. Premium consists of trees which meet the following requirements:

(a) Characteristics typical of the species;
(b) Butt trimmed; except for trees graded "on the stump'';
(c) Normal taper;
(d) Fresh;
(e) Clean;
(f) Healthy;
(g) Well shaped;
(h) Not less than heavy density;
(i) Handle length, unless otherwise specified, shall be not less than 6 inches, or more than 1-1/2 inches for each foot of tree height. For trees graded "on the stump'', handle length will not be a requirement of the grade;
(j) Three faces with not more than 1 minor defect. Remaining face may not have more than 1 minor defect

Refer to the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) for more information on U.S. Christmas Tree Grading and the necessary requirements for Premium Grade Fir Trees.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/christmas-trees-grades-and-standards

At City Tree, we take pride in being locally owned and supporting our community by providing livable wages to our employees. Many of our staff members return year after year, ensuring the premium service you have come to expect. We carefully select our products based on quality and origin, considering their environmental impact and durability for long-lasting use.

Our diverse team includes firefighters, neighborhood kids, college students, freelancers, musicians, and more. We create a fun working environment with good pay, giving them flexibility in their lives and extra income during the holiday season. We accept credit cards, contribute to local sales tax, and stand firmly behind our products and services, acting as responsible neighbors.

Our commitment to zero waste means we manage our inventory carefully, avoiding large quantities of unused trees that would end up in disposal. As pioneers of full-service tree delivery since 2009, we offer ultimate convenience, delivering a fresh tree inside your home by an insured professional. Additionally, we offer premium setup and removal options, as well as accessories available for purchase or rent.

While some competitors may try to copy our services at slightly lower prices, this often comes at the expense of quality, service, and sustainable practices. Many places order a mix of tree varieties from distant regions, opting for cheaper accessories with higher profit margins. They prioritize inventory for profit without considering waste management.

Our dedication to the local community sets us apart from others. Unlike faceless online retailers, we actively engage with and support our community. Amazon's announcement to sell trees up to 7ft in a box for a slightly lower price may seem appealing, but it lacks the personalized service and care we provide. With us, you can count on a hassle-free experience with the tree delivered, set up, and, if needed, removed. Returns and replacements with competitors remain uncertain.

Choosing City Tree not only ensures exceptional service but also supports the livelihood of local individuals and fosters a sense of community and responsibility towards our environment.

We always try to purchase our products from local vendors. We believe in supporting local businesses and want to minimize our carbon footprint.

Our trees come from Michigan or Wisconsin. Cutting starts in November and varies based on shipping times. We typically get multiple shipments during the season.

Whenever possible, we try to sell items made in the United States.

Cutting starts in November and varies based on shipping times. We typically get multiple shipments during the season.

We do not sell potted trees. Customers prefer Fraser/Balsam and these do not grow in Illinois. The weight of the tree ball required to replant the tree would require machinery to move. In addition, these trees would require acclaimation of no more than a few days inside and out in order to replant. The hole would also need to be dug in acidic soil non-native to Illinois prior to the ground freezing in order for the transplant to be successful.

We believe the most sustainable option is to buy from local farms that replant their harvested tree crop each year and to recycle the tree after each season.

Years ago, we tried selling Norwegian Spruce in potting soil plants and they did not sell. Over half were donated or sold at or below cost. I've seen other companies do this on the news, but I do not believe this is a core product for them and can't be done at scale by a for-profit company.

We do not rent trees, however you can rent stands, lights, and purchase tree removal prior to Christmas.

The tree storage conditions during rental are unknown and trees can frequently be damaged during handling.

Many events request delivery one day prior to an event so the tree can settle and we pick up the tree the day after the event. Other events have us deliver smaller trees and send the tree home as a door prize for one of the attendees.