Questions? Call us at (563) 559-0310
The Full Story
Caring for Our Trees
Saplings:
Where it All Begins
Each year, we plant about 6,000 new trees between our two farms! A baby tree is called a Sapling. Our saplings are typically 1-2 years old and planted 6 feet apart to give them room to grow.
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But growing Christmas trees isn't easy! Only 1 in 3 trees make it to full term ready for harvest.
Growing Stages:
Never a Shortage of Work!
A few years after planting, the trees are now ready to be groomed into Christmas trees!
Our first job is to make sure that the tree is growing straight. We carefully select a strong, straight leader (the top, middle of the tree), remove double trunks, and correct uneven growth.
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Every year, each tree needs plenty of TLC! From top and bottom pruning to trimming, shaping, mowing and de-pineconing, there's never a shortage of work!
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It takes years of hands-on care to grow the perfect Christmas tree for your family!
Shaping Stage:
60 Acres, One Bill, Endless Branches
Now that the trees are 6 years or older they are ready to be trimmed to the proper Christmas tree Shape! Bill does this by using a motorized saw blade at the end of a pole. Moving the saw in an angular up/down motion Bill walks around the tree cutting off any excess branches. This gives the tree their famous triangular shape.
Selling Stage: From Our Farm to Your Home!
After years of hard work and plenty of TLC, our trees are finally ready to find their Christmas homes!
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That's where YOU come in! Take a hayride, find your perfect tree, and cut it down! We'll shake out the loose needles, wrap it up, and help load and secure it to your vehicle.
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From a tiny sapling to the centerpiece of your family's Christmas memories – for us, that's what makes it all worth it!
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