Virginia Highland Christmas Tree Lot

Where our Christmas Tree Business Was Born

A Christmas Tree Tradition Reborn in the Virginia Highlands

Ah, the Virginia Highlands Christmas tree lot. If trees could talk, this lot would have decades of stories to tell. Having helped countless families bring home their perfect Fraser fir Christmas trees, year after year, this lot has become a community cornerstone. But while the trees have been a constant, the faces behind the lot have recently changed. In 2022, when the legendary Danny Dollar decided to hang up his Santa hat, there was a palpable uncertainty in the air. Would this be the end of an era? Nope. Enter Trees for Tuition. We stepped in, not just to keep this Atlanta Christmas tree lot running, but to ensure the community tradition thrived, and thrived it did!

A Welcoming Embrace

The community’s response? Overwhelmingly welcoming. It felt like the entire VaHi neighborhood had our backs. Every “thank you” and every smile was a testament to the magic of the holiday season and to the bond that this Christmas tree lot has established in the Virginia Highlands over the years. It was clear; we weren’t just selling Christmas trees in Atlanta; we were continuing a legacy for the same community we grew up in.

Walking Down Memory Lane

Now, here’s a little secret. This lot holds a special place in our hearts because It’s where Jack and I, fresh-faced and eager, learned the ropes of the Christmas tree business from none other than Danny Dollar himself. Those days, filled with the scent of fresh-cut Fraser firs and the sound of laughter, were the catalyst for Trees for Tuition. It’s where our idea was born.

So, next time you’re choosing your Christmas tree from our lot, know that you’re not just bringing home a tree; you’re becoming a part of our story and we can’t wait to make y’all a part of it!

Christmas Tree Legends: Danny Dollar

Danny Dollar, his name alone brings back a flood of memories. For those of you who might not know, Danny was the heart and soul of the Virginia Highlands Christmas tree lot for years. A master of the trade, he had this uncanny ability to make every customer feel like family, and let me tell you, that man knew his Fraser firs! If you were looking for the best Christmas trees in Atlanta Danny was the man to see.

Lessons Under the Christmas Tree Canopy

Jack and I were fortunate enough to learn the ropes of the Christmas tree business directly from Danny. From the art of a perfect fresh cut to the technique of tying a tree securely to the roof of any car (yes, even that tiny convertible), Danny had a trick up his sleeve for everything. Although It wasn’t just about the trees, he taught us the importance of greeting every customer with a genuine smile, making them feel at home, and how to help them find their perfect tree year after year.

Not Just Selling Christmas Trees

But Danny’s impact went beyond just providing families with the best Christmas trees in Atlanta. The VaHi community, especially the families of Inman Middle (now Virginia Highlands Elementary), had a lot to thank him for. His commitment to supporting the local middle school was unwavering and the gratitude was mutual. The community’s love for Danny was evident in every handshake, every thank you, and every Christmas tree that found a new home.

A Very Jolly Heart

One thing that always stood out about Danny was his kindness. Whether it was a young family picking out their first tree or a couple continuing a decades-long tradition, Danny treated everyone with the same warmth and respect. It’s that spirit, that genuine love for people and the Christmas trees he brought to Atlanta, that we strive to carry forward at Trees for Tuition.

The Birthplace of Trees for Tuition

A Christmas Tree Delivery to Remember

I’ll never forget that crisp winter day. I was 16, working for Danny, and it was my first ever Christmas tree delivery. As I carefully set up the Fraser fir Christmas tree in the customer’s living room, their faces lit up with joy. But the real surprise came as I was leaving – a generous $40 tip! For a teenager, that felt like hitting the jackpot. I remember rushing back to the lot, the cold Atlanta air biting at my cheeks, and sharing the successful delivery news with Danny. Once we got talking he went on to tell me that he charged $50 for the delivery, the wheels started turning.

The Spark of an Idea

After a bit of research, I realized something. Many Christmas tree lots in Atlanta were charging hefty fees for delivery but what if we could change that? What if we could offer Christmas tree deliveries without the extra charge? It was a simple idea, but it felt revolutionary. Just like that, amidst the rows of fresh-cut Fraser firs and the familiar scent of pine, the concept of Trees for Tuition was born. Now I just needed a delivery partner, Jack was my first call.

Christmas Challenges and Tree Triumphs

Starting Trees for Tuition wasn’t without its challenges. Getting the word out was our biggest hurdle but with every challenge came an opportunity. The community’s support was our driving force. Their excitement and encouragement, was contagious. For every one family that used our service three more were soon to hear about us, and as the word spread, Trees for Tuition began to take root as Atlanta’s favorite Christmas tree delivery service.

Why we Love this Christmas Tree Lot

Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

Let’s talk Fraser firs for a moment. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of bringing one of these beauties home, you know they’re the crème de la crème of Christmas trees. At the Virginia Highlands lot, we pride ourselves on offering the freshest, most vibrant Fraser firs in Atlanta. Each tree, hand-picked with care, stands as a testament to our commitment to bringing quality Christmas Trees to Atlanta.

Giving Back to the Community

As you may have realized, it’s not just about selling trees at Trees for Tuition. It’s about making a difference. Every year, in the spirit of the season, we donate a tree to the local fire station 19. It’s our little way of saying thank you to those who keep our community safe. In addition to our scholarship fund, a portion of our sales from this lot also goes directly to the Virginia Highland Elementary PTO. Over the years this has turned into the biggest fundraiser for the PTO!

Customer Love

We’ve been blessed with some incredible feedback from our community. Take this review, for instance: “Trees for Tuition was amazing – great service while choosing a tree and when I scheduled Christmas tree pickup – seamless, fast and kind.” That’s right! We’re all about sustainability. Once the holiday season wraps up, we’ll pick up your tree right from your curb. It’s our way of ensuring that every Christmas tree gets a second life and doesn’t end up in a landfill.

Looking Ahead: The Future Christmas Trees in the Virginia Highlands

Collaborating with Local Gems

Atlanta is brimming with local businesses and organizations that are the heartbeat of our community. At Trees for Tuition, we’re always on the lookout for ways to collaborate and create something special for our patrons. Whether it’s a pop-up event with a local bakery or a joint initiative with a neighborhood crafts store, we believe in the power of community. After all, it’s the local touch that makes our Christmas trees in Atlanta stand out.

Expanding Our Horizons

While the Virginia Highlands lot holds a special place in our hearts, we’re always scouting for new prospective locations. From pumpkin patches in the fall to Christmas tree lots come winter, we’re on a mission to spread the Trees for Tuition magic far and wide. So, keep your eyes peeled; you might just spot us in a new neighborhood soon!

Deepening Our Community Ties

Community is at the core of everything we do. We’re thrilled to be getting involved with neighborhood associations, fostering connections, and understanding the unique needs of each community. Here’s some exciting news: We’re looking forward to sponsoring the Virginia Highland Winterfest over the upcoming seasons. It’s going to be a winter wonderland, and we can’t wait to share the joy with all of you!

Sustainable Christmas Trees: More Than Just Buzzwords

Our Tree for Tree Promise

At Trees for Tuition, we’re not just about selling Christmas trees in Atlanta. We’re about making a difference all over the world as well. For every tree you bring home, we ensure another forever tree is planted in a forest in need. It’s our “Tree for Tree” promise, and it’s our commitment to the environment and future generations. Imagine the magic of knowing that with every Fraser fir you set up in your living room, there’s another tree taking root somewhere, ensuring greenery, animal habitats, and oxygen for years to come.

Christmas Tree Recycling: Giving Trees a Second Life

Our commitment doesn’t end once a forever tree is planted. We’ve set up a tree recycling process that’s as seamless as it is sustainable. After the festivities, we pick up your tree, whisk it away to a recycling location, and ensure it’s chipped and repurposed. The best part? These chipped Christmas trees find a new life in Atlanta area parks and public spaces.

A Christmas Tree Service to Love

The response from our community has been nothing short of overwhelming. We’ve had more requests for Christmas tree pickups than we can handle! It’s heartwarming to see so many of you embracing sustainability and making eco-friendly choices. A review we recently received says it all: “Love love love this business!… and BEST of all- they offer Christmas tree recycling!” We’re humbled by the love and promise to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of sustainable Christmas trees.

Community Support: The Heartbeat of Trees for Tuition

Embracing Change with Open Arms

When we took over the Virginia Highland Christmas tree lot, we were stepping into shoes filled with decades of tradition and memories. The transition could have been challenging, but the community’s warmth and acceptance made it seamless. It felt like the entire neighborhood rallied behind us, cheering us on as we embarked on this new chapter. Their support was a testament to the love that the lot had fostered over the years.

A Future Filled with Community Initiatives

Our vision for Trees for Tuition is intertwined with community engagement. We’re not just a business; we’re a part of the fabric of the neighborhood. As we look to the future, we’re eager to deepen our ties, participate in more local events, and continue to give back in every way we can. Because at the end of the day, it’s the community that makes us who we are and as we like to say, it’s more than just a tree… It’s Trees for Tuition.