If you need a high quality Christmas tree, the Boy Scouts of Troop 100 would be happy to sell you one to raise money for their summer activities.

This is a tradition for Troop 100, going back to 1953 when scouts sold door to door in Ballard. Now they set up shop in the parking lot of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and call the annual business, "Christmas Tree Central."

The sale began on Nov. 25 with eight species of trees in the three to nine foot range from $12 to $87. Each season, they can sell up to 1,600 trees from their lot. Garland, wreaths, door swags, mantle runners and tree stands all also for sale.

Troop 100 has some expertise on its side when it comes to Christmas trees.

Assistant scoutmaster Dan Cress works as a forest geneticist. In August, when Christmas shopping is over four months away, Cress drives up to six different Washington State farms in the Northwest handpicking trees the scouts would later purchase.

The scouts have gotten to know many tree farmers over the years. "It's nice they let us pick the crop. We look for shape and color," said Cress.

Cress earned his Eagle Badge, scouting's highest award in 1980. His father Dean Cress was the scoutmaster. Now Cress's son Alex is an assistant patrol leader who is working towards his own Eagle Badge.

Scouts who work at the lot can have half of the cost to summer camp paid for. Monies raised also maintain the troop's bus, buy camping gear, pay for trip permits, gas and insurance.

For the scouts, they have an opportunity to meet the public and experience the joy of Christmas. Scouts take three-hour shifts, working with parent volunteers.

"I always have a lot of fun. I take extra shifts to sell more trees. It's fun to see someone walking off with something I sold them," said Nathan Compton, a junior at Ballard High.

The scouts provide a high level of customer service. They will help tie the trees to people's cars. For residents who live nearby, they have been known to carry the tree to their homes on foot.

"The boy scouts exemplify courtesy. I like interacting with customers," said Compton.

Some scouts, who were too shy to deal with the public, grow out of their shell. "It's amazing to see a kid come in too shy to talk to customers and watch them blossom," said Cindy Roush. She coordinates the three-week tree sale schedule.

Sean Hendricks, a Ballard high sophomore says people come to the Christmas Tree Central to support the scouts. "They know it helps us out. We recognize people who come from far away," said Hendricks.

Hendricks says he likes the way the trees smell. "After a long shift, I smell like a tree," he said.

Christmas Tree Central is very popular with the local Ballard community. Assistant scoutmaster Ken Tarleton suggests coming early for the best selection.

Scouts make up to seven trips to farms to replenish the lot. "People come the last weekend and there is not much left," said Tarleton.

Cress advises customers to cut off the base of the tree then place it in water within a few hours of purchase.

"As long as it is submerged in clean water, it will be fine. It will last into January with plain water," said Cress.

Troop 100 is providing over $2,250 worth of Christmas trees, food and gifts to Ballard families in need. Coupons and scip are distributed to area schools and churches.

Christmas Tree Central will be open daily through Dec. 16 or when all the trees sell out.