Remember, the Christmas trees purchased from local Christmas tree farms are as fresh as a Christmas tree can ever be.
EVALUATE YOUR NEEDS BEFORE DEPARTING FOR THE FARM
n Measure the ceiling height in the room where the tree will be displayed. The trees in the field look small when the sky is the ceiling. Don’t overbuy.
n Measure the width of the area of the room where the tree will be displayed. Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80% taper. So a tree that’s 10' tall will be 8' wide. A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally.
n Are there any individuals in the household who are allergic to pine; if so, consider another species such as Leyland, Sapphire, etc.
n What decorating theme will be used? Ask the farm operator which species is best suited to your needs. For example, some species are better at holding heavy ornaments and decorations.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE FARM
n Most tree farms keep their fields very well groomed, but there are some things that are beyond the farmer’s control. Be careful of fire ant mounds, tree stumps, an occasional blackberry vine, uneven ground and sharp saws.
n Go to the farm prepared for a day in the country. Wear comfortable shoes and old clothes. Bring rain gear if the weather is threatening. The “cutter downers” and the “loader uppers” should also have gloves. DON’T FORGET THE CAMERA. It’s best to NOT bring the dog.
n Saws are usually provided by the farm operator.
n Some farms measure and price their trees individually, other sell them by the foot.
(NCTA Tips for Choose Your Own Farms, pg 2)
n Head in to the field and select the tree that fits your predetermined needs. Check the trunk to be sure that it is sufficiently straight. Keep in mind that pines will usually have, at least, some crook in their trunks.
n In the fall of the year ALL pines drop, or shed, a certain portion of their oldest needles. This is a normal part of the life cycle of the tree. This phenomena occurs because the tree is preparing itself for winter. Most farms provide shaking, or blowing, services so that you will depart with a perfectly clean pine.
n Cutting the tree is easiest as a two person project. The “cutter downer” usually lies on the ground. While the helper holds the bottom limbs up. At this the point, be especially careful of ants. While the cut is being made, the helper should tug on the tree lightly to ensure that the saw kerf remains open so that the saw does not bind. The tugging force should be applied to the side of the tree opposite the cut.
n Bring the tree to the processing area where it will be cleaned and netted. Netting makes transporting and handling the tree substantially easier.
n When you are checking out, remember to pickup a tree removal bag. It can be used as a tree skirt and then pulled up around the tree to help keep the floors clean when the tree is being taken down.
Now you’re ready to load the tree and head home to decorate your Real Christmas Tree.
JSFarms
1760 123rd Lane
NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Terry 763-755-1206
www.jsfarms.com
Fields are located in Turtle Lake, WI
Member of the Wisconsin Christmas
Trees Producers Association
Wisconsin Nursery License #17
118565