The Upstate New York History Behind Tree Shaped Air Fresheners
Car air fresheners have become a popular accessory worldwide. But there’s one particular design, in the shape of evergreen trees, that has gained iconic status.
Did you know that these tree-shaped car air fresheners have deep roots in Upstate New York?
Origins in Watertown
The story begins in Watertown, New York, where the Car Freshner Corporation, the company behind the "Little Trees" brand, was founded. It all started when a delivery truck driver complained to Julius Sämann about the unpleasant smell of spilled milk in his vehicle. Sämann experimented by combining different fragrances onto a blotter and found that it effectively eliminated the odor.
Birth of Little Trees
Impressed by the positive outcome, Sämann decided to market his innovative air fresheners. To pay tribute to the years he spent extracting aromatic oils from Canadian forests, he chose to manufacture the fresheners in the shape of evergreen trees. The product quickly gained popularity, with orders pouring in from all corners of the country. Little Trees had officially become a household name.
A Global Symbol of Freshness
Little Trees' success reached beyond U.S. borders. The distinctive tree-shaped air fresheners captured the attention of international customers, becoming a global symbol of freshness and quality. Today, the brand offers a wide range of scents, ranging from traditional favorites like Royal Pine and Vanillaroma to more unique options such as Spice, Caribbean Colada, and Bourbon.
Expanding Product Line
As demand for their products grew, the company expanded its offerings beyond the tree-shaped air fresheners. Little Trees now produces spray bottles and various other fragrance-based items. While the original tree-shaped fresheners remain their signature product, the brand continues to innovate and explore new scent options to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Curious Scents and Impressive Choices
Stepping into a car these days, you may be greeted with a variety of scents emanating from Little Trees air fresheners. In addition to the traditional fragrances, the company has introduced enticing scents like Fresh Shave, Moroccan Mint Tea, and No Smoking. With dozens of options to choose from, drivers can select a fragrance that perfectly suits their taste.
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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells