Money might be tight this year, but some area Christmas tree farmers say they're doing good business.

"We did sweat a little bit with the recession, but we are up so far this season," said Blaine Carter, of Carter Christmas Tree Farm on Horizon South Parkway in Grovetown.

"I guess if people are going to cut back or skimp, Christmas trees have not been one of those areas," Mr, Carter said.

He said his sales are about 25 percent higher compared with 2007, his first year in business.

He said he's selling more of his cheaper farm-grown trees this year than the pre-cut Frasier firs -- the only sign he sees of people looking to save money.

"I guess there are a few folks probably getting smaller trees," he said.

Matthew Gay, of Gay's Christmas Tree Farm on Tobacco Road, said he also hasn't seen a major change in sales.

Some sellers expect some tree shoppers to wait for eleventh-hour bargains.

"As it gets closer to Christmas, well, yes, they get a little bit cheaper," said Scott Brown, manager of Snowy Mountain Christmas Tree Farm's lot on Washington Road in Martinez.

Sales, he said, have been great although the sluggish economy definitely has its effect.

"Some people are trying to save money so they might get a tree that's a little smaller," Mr. Brown said.

The most popular sellers, he said, are 6- to 8-foot Frasier firs.

Becky Rasmussen, a spokeswoman for the National Christmas Tree Association, said her organization has heard similar stories nationwide.

Ms. Rasmussen said people tend to cut back in other areas in hard economic times, such as buying fewer presents or traveling less.

"That (the Christmas tree) is not usually the first thing they cut out of a Christmas celebration," she said.

Staff Writer Rob Pavey contributed to this article.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 823-3338 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.