Despite having a healthy crop of Christmas trees, Cherokee County farmers are fearful the economy may slump sales.

Deerwoods Christmas Tree Farm co-owner Betty Hutson said she has not raised the prices on her trees as people are struggling.

"Things are just up in the air," she said. "People are being more careful with their money."

A wide variety of trees await customers at the Macedonia farm: Leland Cypresses, White Pines, Naylor Blues and Cryptomerias, which all are $6 per foot.

Other trees include Virginia Pines for $30; Fraser Firs, which begin at $20; and Concolor Firs and Blue Spruces, which both begin at $40.

The farm opened on Wednesday and will sell trees through Dec. 24. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. until dark on Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. until dark on Saturdays and Sundays.

Along with trees, the farm sells garlands starting at $1 per foot, wreaths starting at $15 and tree stands beginning at $25.

Deerwoods also has various treats to keep customers comfortable during their shopping trips.

The farm will offer free tractor rides to trees; homemade fudge and cookies for $1.50 each; hot dogs for $1.50; a kids' craft area; a fire place; and hot chocolate and cider, both of which are $1 per cup.

Next weekend, Mrs. Hutson said a vendor will offer horse and wagon rides for $2 per ride and they will sell ice cream. Children also can write letters to Santa Claus, and Deerwoods will mail the letters for them.

After six years of being closed to the public, Keithsburg's Davis Tree Farm has reopened.

The farm has 325 Fraser Firs from North Carolina, which start at $35 per foot. It also will sell wreaths ranging from $10 to $35, greenery bundles from $2 to $5 and offer guests the opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus or horses.

Owner Chelsey Davis said she will "take into account" the economic situation to make sure customers get the best tree for their buck.

"Our trees are really fresh," she said, adding they were cut on Sunday in North Carolina.

The farm will be open through Dec. 24 or until it runs out of trees. It is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ms. Davis said she also will be selling boiled peanuts for $4, hot chocolate for $1 per cup, cider for $2 per cup and popcorn bags for $2 per bag.

Yellow Creek's Sperin Christmas Tree Farm is ready for the holiday season.

Co-owner Mary Sperin said the farm has about 500 Leland Cypress trees ready, which range from six to 12 feet. Prices begin at $20 for six-foot trees and run to $50 for 12-foot trees.

This year's rains helped the Leland Cypresses grow taller and faster, Mrs. Sperin said.

Despite the economic downturn, Mrs. Sperin remains optimistic about this year's sales.

"I'm looking for it to be slow, but we've already sold a few trees," she said.

Mrs. Sperin said the farm will have peanut brittle, but not other extras.

"Most people want to just come and cut the tree down," she said, adding her staff will help with the tree cutting.

Sperin opened on Monday and will close on Dec. 24. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. until dark seven days a week.

Leland Cypresses and Fraser Firs will be abundant at Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock.

Co-owner Debbie Durden said the Cypresses are $7.50 per foot and the firs are priced at $10 per foot.

Berry Patch opened on Sunday and will remain open through Dec. 13. Its hours of operation are from 2 to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hot cider and hot chocolate will be available for $1 per cup, and funnel cakes, which are only made on weekends, are $2.

Mrs. Durden said she hopes business remains level.

"I'm hoping to do at least as well as last year," she said.

At Canton's Autumn Hill Nursery and Landscaping, fresh Fraser Firs are ready for customers to take home.

The trees are priced at $49.99 for five feet; $59.99 for six feet; $74.99 for seven feet; $99.99 for eight feet; and $139.99 for a nine-foot tree, according to manager Susan Franklin.

The nursery also offers wreaths that come in five sizes ranging from $14.99 to $89.99. Also, the nursery has swags that range from $24.99 to $59.99.

Ms. Franklin said the nursery has an "excellent, healthy stock" of trees.

Hot chocolate, cider, homemade cookies will be offered to customers for free.

The nursery will be open through Dec. 19. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.